The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two notorious bandits linked to a spate of killings and kidnappings across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara states, following public outrage over a viral video in which one of the suspects openly flaunted firearms and large sums of cash.
The suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu, also called Gide, were apprehended on December 19 along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that Usman was the individual captured in the viral footage that circulated widely on social media, displaying sophisticated weapons and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
According to the police, items recovered from the suspects include a brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, ₦500,000 cash, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Investigations revealed that the motorcycle was purchased with ransom payments collected from victims of kidnapping operations.
Hundeyin said preliminary findings showed that the suspects are key members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate terrorising communities across the North-West and parts of the North-Central regions.
“Further intelligence indicates that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating within the region,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson noted that the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators, a development expected to lead to the arrest of more gang members and the recovery of additional weapons.
Commending the operatives involved, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised their professionalism and dedication, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public safety nationwide.
The police also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains critical in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The arrest comes amid heightened security operations across the country, as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on criminal gangs whose activities have left trails of violence, fear and displacement in several states.
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