….. Recover Arms, Cash, Motorcycle
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
According to a press release on Friday, December 26, 2025, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. The operation took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide, aged 30. Both were apprehended at Komen–Masallaci village in Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000, which police said was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments; ₦500,000 in cash suspected to be unspent ransom money; and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Further findings indicated that the gang also engages in the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
Police authorities said both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
The Force also disclosed that Abubakar Usman (Siddi) was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video where firearms and large sums of money were openly displayed.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens nationwide.
The Police further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.
