The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the arrest of two suspected bandits allegedly involved in killings and kidnapping operations spanning Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states.
One of the suspects was identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, who had earlier been spotted in a viral video displaying firearms and large sums of money. The second suspect was named Shehu Mohammadu, popularly called Gide.
In a statement released on Friday, Lagos Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended on December 19 along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT).
Hundeyin said the operatives recovered a brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, N500,000 in cash, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects.
According to him, investigations revealed that the motorcycle was purchased using proceeds from ransom payments.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States,” the statement reads.
“Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.
“Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.
“The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, commends the operatives involved for their professionalism and dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.”
The police also appealed to members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations nationwide.