Police Arrest Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover AK-47, Ransom Cash in Kwara Operation

Police Arrest Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover AK-47, Ransom Cash in Kwara Operation

The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against banditry and kidnapping with the arrest of two notorious kingpins linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command, along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area.

Those arrested were identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi (26), and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide (30). Both were apprehended at Komen–Masallaci village while allegedly on active criminal operations.

Items recovered from the suspects include a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, which police said was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments, ₦500,000 cash believed to be unspent ransom money, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.

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According to police findings, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorising several communities across the North-West and North-Central regions. The gang is also suspected to be involved in the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal networks.

The suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, providing information that is expected to lead to the arrest of additional gang members and the recovery of more weapons.

Police further disclosed that Abubakar Usman was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of money, believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.

Commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, tackling banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of Nigerians.

The police also urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to winning the fight against crime.

Police Arrest Notorious Bandit Kingpins, Recover AK-47, Ransom Cash in Kwara Operation