In a significant victory against organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the capture of two high-profile bandits and kidnapping leaders who have been terrorizing communities in Kwara State and beyond.
Covert Operation Nabs Suspects in Kaiama
The breakthrough came from a covert operation conducted on Friday, December 26, 2025. Operatives from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working with the Kwara State Police Command, tracked and intercepted the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The arrested individuals were identified as 26-year-old Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi) and 30-year-old Shehu Mohammadu (alias Gide). Police investigations link them to a dangerous syndicate responsible for violent attacks, banditry, and kidnappings across several states, including Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara.
Arms, Ransom Cash, and Motorcycle Seized
The operation yielded substantial evidence linking the suspects to their criminal activities. Items recovered include:
- An AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
- ₦500,000 in cash, believed to be unspent proceeds from ransom payments.
- A brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, valued at ₦1.85 million, which investigators say was purchased with funds from kidnapping ransoms.
Authorities revealed that preliminary findings indicate the gang's operations extended beyond direct attacks. The syndicate is also alleged to be involved in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal networks in the North-West and North-Central regions, amplifying their threat.
Suspect Linked to Viral Gun Video, IGP Urges Public Support
In a revealing detail, the police disclosed that one of the arrested kingpins, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), has been identified as the individual seen in a recent viral social media video brazenly flaunting firearms and large sums of money. His arrest validates intelligence-led efforts to track down such criminals.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers for their professionalism and dedication. He reassured Nigerians of the Force's unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring nationwide safety.
"The Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens," IGP Egbetokun stated.
The police hierarchy has urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support security operations, emphasizing that such cooperation is critical to sustaining the gains against organized crime. Both suspects are reportedly cooperating with investigators to help arrest other gang members and recover more weapons.
