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Police Arrest Two Notorious Bandits, Kidnapping Kingpins In Kwara, Recover AK-47, Ransom Cash, Motorcycle
The suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
Abuja, Nigeria– The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to a string of violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
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, during a covert operation conducted in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
In statement by the Nigerian police spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the operatives intercepted the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, following actionable intelligence on the movement of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang operating across the North-Central and North-West regions.
The arrested suspects were identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’, aged 30. Both were apprehended at Komen–Masallaci village in Kaiama LGA.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include one brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, ₦500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom proceeds, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
The statement read, “The the Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.
“On Friday, 19th December, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation carried out in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted and arrested two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“The suspects arrested are Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi ‘m’ aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide ‘m’ aged 30. Both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State at the time of arrest.
“During the operation, the following items were recovered from the suspects: one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; ₦500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money; one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.”
According to Hundeyin, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.
“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 large sums of money on social media.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commends the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
“Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.26th December, 2025,” he added.