The Nigeria Police have arrested two suspected bandit and kidnapping kingpins believed to be behind violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
According to a statement shared on Nigeria Police Force Facebook page, the suspects were picked up on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a discreet operation carried out by officers of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working with the Kwara State Police Command.
Police said the arrests happened along the Komen–Masallaci area of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State.
Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also called Gide, aged 30. Both men were taken into custody in Komen–Masallaci village.
During the operation, police recovered several items from the suspects.
These included a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at about N1.85m, which investigators said was bought with ransom money.
“Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons. The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and and large sums of money on social media.”
Officers also recovered N500,000 in cash believed to be part of unpaid ransom, as well as one AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects are members of a dangerous gang that has been terrorising communities in four states through banditry and kidnapping.
Police also revealed that the gang is involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to other criminal groups.
The two suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing information that could help security agencies arrest other gang members and recover more weapons.
Police further disclosed that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, was recently spotted in a viral social media video where he was seen displaying firearms and large sums of money.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and commitment.
He reassured Nigerians that the police remain determined to break up criminal networks and improve public safety.
The police also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by sharing timely and reliable information to help ongoing operations.
