The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has achieved a significant operational breakthrough following the arrest of two notorious bandit and kidnapping kingpins in Kwara State. The suspects are linked to a series of violent crimes across four states: Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara.

The operation was conducted on December 19, 2025, by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command. The arrests took place along the Komen–Masallaci axis in the Kaiama Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu (alias Gide), aged 30. Abubakar Usman was recently identified as the individual in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of cash.

Items recovered during the operation included:

• A brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle (valued at N1.85 million), allegedly purchased with ransom proceeds.
• N500,000 in cash, suspected to be unspent ransom money.
• One AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.

The police revealed that the gang also served as arms suppliers to other criminal elements. The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of the syndicate.

He added that investigations revealed the motorcycle was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments collected during kidnapping operations.

"Preliminary findings showed that the suspects belonged to a notorious gang terrorising communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states," he said. Hundeyin disclosed that the gang also specialised in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating within the region.

He said both suspects are cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.

The police spokesman recalled that Usman was recently identified in a viral social media video where he was seen flaunting firearms and large sums of money.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force's resolve to dismantle criminal networks and curb banditry and kidnapping nationwide.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations.