Bandit kingpin flaunting cash in viral video, one other in police net

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Guide are now in police net.

Abubakar Usman, one of the suspects, was identified as the individual seen flaunting firearms and large sums of money in a video that went viral on social media.

The suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State on Friday, 19th December, 2025 by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT).

As was revealed in a statement on Friday by Force spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the FID-IRT operatives carried out the covert operation that led to the arrest of the suspects in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command.

He said the police operatives intercepted and arrested the two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Hundeyin described the arrest of the bandits as a significant operational breakthrough for the police in the fight against criminals.

He also revealed that during the operation, police operatives recovered one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at N1,850,000.00, which was allegedly purchased with proceeds of ransom payments from the suspects.

The Police operatives also recovered 500,000.00 cash, being unspent ransom money and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects.

“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.

“Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.

“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.

“Meanwhile, members of the public are encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations,” Hundeyin concluded in the statement.