By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Kwara State police, in a coordinated operation, have arrested two notorious bandits linked to a spate of kidnappings and violent crimes across multiple states in Northern Nigeria.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman (26), alias Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu (30), alias Gide, were intercepted on Friday along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area. The arrest was conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) alongside the Kwara State Police Command.
Authorities recovered significant items from the duo, including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦500,000 in cash described as unspent ransom money, and a brand new Honda motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million. Investigators confirmed the motorcycle was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments.
Police investigations reveal the suspects are key figures in a dangerous gang responsible for terrorizing communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. The gang also allegedly supplies arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.
One of the arrested men, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video brazenly flaunting firearms and large sums of cash.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their professionalism and reiterated the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks. The suspects are reportedly cooperating with the police to apprehend other gang members and recover more weapons.
The public is urged to continue providing timely information to support security operations.