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.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.

The statement was issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, anipr, mipra, from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on December 26, 2025.

The Nigeria Police Force also encouraged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing and future security operations, stressing that intelligence from citizens remains critical to the success of security efforts nationwide.

The operation took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, where the suspects were intercepted and arrested.

Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’, aged 30. Both suspects 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 ₦1.85 million, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments. Also recovered were ₦500,000 cash, believed to be unspent ransom money, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are key members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Further findings showed that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.

The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing useful information that is expected to lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.

Police authorities further recalled that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of money.

Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, praised their professionalism and dedication, and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the country.