Police Nab Notorious Bandits, Recover Arms and Ransom in Kwara

The Nigeria Police Force has achieved a major 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), working in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The arrested suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, 30, were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village. Authorities recovered several items during the operation, including a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million—purchased with ransom proceeds—₦500,000 in unspent ransom money, and an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo are key members of a notorious gang terrorizing communities across Kwara, Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger States. The syndicate is also reportedly involved in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal elements in the region.

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Both suspects are cooperating with investigators, providing information that could lead to the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons. Notably, Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, was recently identified in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of money.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation. He reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and safeguarding citizens across the country.

The Police also called on members of the public to continue supporting security efforts by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing operations.

The arrests mark a significant step in the fight against organized crime and banditry in Nigeria, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated intelligence-led operations between federal and state law enforcement agencies. Authorities say further investigations are ongoing to ensure the gang’s full dismantling and the recovery of all illicit arms and ransom funds.

This operation underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s determination to maintain security and stability in vulnerable regions while sending a strong message to criminal networks that unlawful activities will not be tolerated.