The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against banditry and kidnapping with the arrest of two notorious crime kingpins linked to violent attacks across several northern states.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team, working 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.
Police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, popularly called Gide, aged 30. Both men were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village, where investigators say they had been operating as part of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate.
Items recovered during the operation include a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at about ₦1.85 million, which police say was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments. Operatives also recovered ₦500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom money, as well as an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are key members of a criminal network responsible for kidnapping, armed attacks, and arms trafficking across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. Police further disclosed that the gang allegedly supplies weapons and ammunition to other criminal groups operating in the region.
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Investigators confirmed that Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video where firearms and large sums of money were openly displayed, a clip that sparked public outrage and security concerns nationwide.
Both suspects are currently in custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators. Police believe their cooperation will lead to the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional weapons.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the operatives involved for their professionalism and resolve. He reassured Nigerians that the Police Force remains committed to dismantling criminal networks, curbing banditry and kidnapping, and restoring safety across affected communities.
The Police also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in tackling organised crime.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on December 26, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
