Nigeria Police Nab Notorious Bandit and Kidnapping Kingpins in Kwara, Recover AK-47, Cash, and Ransom-Funded Motorcycle

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recorded a major security breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins believed to be behind a string of violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States. The operation, described as intelligence-driven and highly coordinated, has been hailed as a significant step in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping, and arms trafficking in Nigeria.

How the Operation Unfolded

On Friday, December 19, 2025, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working closely with the Kwara State Police Command, carried out a covert operation along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Acting on credible intelligence, the officers intercepted and arrested two key members of a deadly criminal syndicate that has terrorised several northern and north-central communities.

Suspects Identified

The arrested suspects have been identified as:

• Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi ‘m’, aged 26

• Shehu Mohammadu, popularly called Gide ‘m’, aged 30

Nigeria Police Nab Notorious Bandit and Kidnapping Kingpins in Kwara, Recover AK-47, Cash, and Ransom-Funded Motorcycle

Both men were apprehended in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA, where they were reportedly hiding after multiple criminal operations.

Recovered Weapons, Cash, and Assets

During the arrest, police operatives recovered several incriminating items, further linking the suspects to kidnapping and armed banditry activities. Items recovered include:

• One AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition

• ₦500,000 cash, confirmed to be unspent ransom money

• One brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, red in colour, valued at ₦1,850,000, allegedly purchased with proceeds from ransom payments

Investigators revealed that the motorcycle was recently acquired to aid the gang’s mobility during operations.

A Multi-State Criminal Network

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are active members of a well-organised banditry and kidnapping network operating across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. Even more alarming, the gang is also believed to supply arms and ammunition to other criminal groups, fueling insecurity across multiple regions.

Security sources say the syndicate’s operations include:

• Kidnapping for ransom

• Armed attacks on rural communities

• Illegal arms distribution

Viral Video Connection

Police also confirmed that Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi) was recently identified as the individual featured in a viral social media video, where he was seen flaunting firearms and large sums of cash. The video had sparked outrage and concern among Nigerians, with many questioning how such criminals operated openly online.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing vital information that could lead to:

• The arrest of other gang members

• Recovery of additional illegal weapons

• Disruption of ransom and arms supply channels

Security agencies believe more arrests are imminent as intelligence from the suspects is being actively pursued.

IGP Commends Officers, Reassures Nigerians

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, praised the officers involved for their professionalism, bravery, and dedication. He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance stance against banditry, kidnapping, and organised crime.

According to the IGP, the arrest underscores the Force’s commitment to:

• Dismantling criminal networks

• Protecting lives and property

• Restoring public confidence in national security

Call for Public Support

The Police have urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely, accurate, and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains a critical weapon in the fight against crime.

As Nigeria intensifies its internal security operations, this arrest stands as a strong reminder that criminals can run, but they cannot hide forever.

Written by Boom RadioNG