Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two suspected bandits and kidnapping leaders believed to be linked to violent crimes across parts of northern and north central Nigeria, including Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.
The arrests were made by officers of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team, working with the Kwara State Police Command. The operation took place on Friday, 19 December 2025, along the Komen Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State, a state located in north central Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspects were intercepted during a covert operation based on intelligence reports.
The police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also called Gide, aged 30. Both were arrested in Komen Masallaci village at the time of the operation.
According to the police, Usman was recently spotted in a viral social media video where he was seen displaying firearms and large sums of cash, which triggered public attention and security concerns.
During the arrest, officers recovered several items believed to be linked to kidnapping activities. These include a red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000, which investigators said was bought with ransom proceeds, ₦500,000 in cash suspected to be unspent ransom money, and one AK 47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary findings showed that the suspects are members of a gang involved in banditry and kidnapping across multiple states. Police also said the group is suspected to be involved in supplying weapons and ammunition to other armed criminal groups operating in the region.
The statement added that the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, as efforts continue to track down other members of the gang and recover more weapons.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the officers involved in the operation for their commitment and professionalism. He assured Nigerians that the police will continue to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen efforts against kidnapping and banditry nationwide.
The police also urged members of the public to continue providing useful and timely information to support ongoing security operations across the country.