Police nab two notorious bandit kingpins in Kwara, seize AK-47, ransom loot
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has announced a major victory against banditry on Friday, revealing the arrest of two high-profile kidnapping kingpins in Kwara State, along with an AK-47 rifle, ₦500,000 in unspent ransom cash, and a brand-new motorcycle bought with crime proceeds.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer detailed the operation in a statement, “The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.”
The takedown occurred on December 19, 2025, when operatives from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working with Kwara State Police Command, ambushed the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area.
The duo—Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi (26), and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide (30)—were nabbed in Komen–Masallaci village.
Police recovered a red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000, purchased with ransom money, plus the cash and the loaded AK-47 with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Investigations show the pair belongs to a gang terrorising multiple states and supplying arms to other criminals.
Hundeyin noted, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements.”
One suspect, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), gained notoriety after appearing in a viral social media video flaunting guns and cash.
Both are now cooperating, aiding efforts to dismantle the syndicate.
Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the team, stating the Force “reassures Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.”
He urged the public to provide timely information to support operations.
