The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against banditry and kidnapping across the North-Central and Northwest regions, following the arrest of two alleged criminal kingpins whose operations spanned four states—Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara.
A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspects were apprehended on December 19, 2025, during a “covert operation” carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
The men were intercepted along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and identified as: Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide, aged 30.
CSP Hundeyin told reporters that the police had been tracking the suspects based on credible intelligence and that the raid led to the recovery of critical evidence linking them to violent crimes and ransom activities.
During the operation, officials seized: An AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine of 20 rounds of live ammunition, ₦500,000 in cash, believed to be unspent ransom proceeds, and a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at roughly ₦1,850,000, which investigations show was purchased with ransom funds.
According to Hundeyin, “Investigations revealed the motorcycle was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments,” highlighting the financial trail linked to the suspects’ alleged kidnapping activities.
Police investigators say preliminary findings show that the duo are key figures in a dangerous banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Further analysis suggests the gang also “doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements,” amplifying their threat beyond isolated attacks.
One of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), drew particular attention from authorities because of his appearance in a viral social media video flaunting illegal firearms and large sums of money, a factor that helped corroborate ongoing police intelligence on his activities.
Reacting to the successful raid, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the officers involved for their professionalism and dedication.
“The Force remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” Egbetokun said, according to the police statement.
Hundeyin also confirmed that both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, with their cooperation expected to facilitate the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible information to support security operations. These intelligence-led engagements reflect a broader national effort to curb kidnapping and banditry, which remain persistent threats to safety and economic activity across several Nigerian states.
