In a major crackdown on organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended two high-profile bandits linked to a spate of violent kidnappings and armed robberies across multiple states.
Covert Operation Leads to Capture
The successful arrest was the result of a covert operation conducted on Friday, December 19. Operatives from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working in tandem with the Kwara State Police Command, intercepted the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The police identified the arrested individuals as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30. Both men were taken into custody in Komen–Masallaci village.
Exhibits Recovered from the Suspects
A significant haul of items was recovered from the suspects, providing clear evidence of their criminal activities. The recovered exhibits include:
- One brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, valued at N1,850,000. Police investigations confirmed the motorcycle was bought with money from ransom payments.
- N500,000 in cash, identified as unspent ransom money.
- One AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Gang's Widespread Terror and Viral Notoriety
Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspects are key members of a notorious syndicate responsible for terrorizing communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. The gang also served as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
In a significant revelation, Force Spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin stated that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video brazenly flaunting firearms and large sums of money.
"Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons," the police statement concluded, indicating that further breakthroughs are expected as the investigation deepens.
