Kwara Police Apprehend Infamous Bandit Duo in Major Security Breakthrough

The long arm of the Nigerian law finally caught up with two of the most elusive and violent underworld figures terrorizing the northern and north-central corridors. In a precision-led sting operation that has sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld, the Nigeria Police Force successfully apprehended two notorious bandit leaders and kidnapping kingpins whose operations spanned four major states.

The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Abubakar Usman, popularly known by his street name “Siddi,” and 30-year-old Shehu Mohammadu, also known as “Gide,” were intercepted in the Komen–Masallaci area of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State. This breakthrough follows months of painstaking intelligence gathering and cross-border surveillance by specialized units.

The operation was a collaborative masterpiece between the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) and the Kwara State Police Command. Acting on high-level intelligence, officers moved into the Komen–Masallaci village on Friday, December 19, 2025, neutralizing a potential threat before the suspects could flee or engage in further violence.

For months, Siddi and Gide had remained high-priority targets on the police watch list. Their criminal enterprise was not localized; rather, they presided over a syndicate that unleashed mayhem across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states. Their activities ranged from brutal banditry to high-stakes kidnapping, leaving a trail of trauma and displaced families in their wake.

One of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, had recently achieved a degree of infamy on social media. A viral video had been circulating for weeks showing a man, now confirmed to be Siddi, brazenly flaunting sophisticated firearms and massive bundles of cash. This public display of arrogance served as a catalyst for investigators, who used the footage to further track his movements and associates.

The arrest yielded significant physical evidence that points toward the lucrative nature of their illicit activities. Among the items seized was a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle. Valued at approximately N1.85 million, investigators have linked the purchase of this vehicle directly to ransom payments extorted from the families of kidnapped victims.

In addition to the vehicle, officers recovered N500,000 in cash. Intelligence suggests this sum was a portion of an unpaid ransom, likely earmarked for further operational funding. More critically, a lethal AK-47 rifle was found in their possession, fully loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition, highlighting the immediate danger these individuals posed to the public.

Beyond direct attacks, the police have uncovered evidence suggesting the duo played a pivotal role in the broader criminal ecosystem. Preliminary findings indicate that the gang acted as a logistics hub, supplying weapons and ammunition to other splinter criminal groups operating within the region. This makes their arrest a strategic blow to the entire supply chain of violence in the area.

Currently, the suspects are being held in high-security custody and are reportedly cooperating with investigators. Their confessions are providing the police with actionable intelligence regarding the locations of other syndicate members who remain at large. Authorities are hopeful that this cooperation will lead to the recovery of more hidden stockpiles of weapons and the eventual dismantling of the entire network.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has lauded the officers involved in the raid. He noted that the success of the mission was a testament to the renewed professionalism and tactical commitment within the force. The IGP emphasized that the police are more determined than ever to shatter these criminal networks and restore a sense of safety to the Nigerian people.

The breakthrough in Kwara State serves as a stern warning to other criminal elements who believe they can operate with impunity. The transition from social media bravado to a police cell highlights the closing net around high-profile bandits. The police have reaffirmed their stance that no criminal will be allowed to flaunt the law and remain free.

As the investigation widens, the police continue to call for public vigilance. They stressed that the fight against banditry is a collective responsibility, urging citizens to continue providing timely and reliable information. In a country where security remains a top priority, the capture of Siddi and Gide is being viewed as a significant victory for the rule of law.