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 Nigerian Police Nab Two Notorious Bandits Linked to Cross-State KidnappingsIn a major boost to efforts against rising insecurity in northern Nigeria, police operatives have arrested two suspected bandit kingpins accused of orchestrating a series of kidnappings and armed attacks across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states.

The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, and 30-year-old Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, were apprehended on December 19, 2025, during an intelligence-led covert operation in the Komen–Masallaci area of Kaiama Local Government Area in Kwara State. The raid was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), working closely with the Kwara State Police Command.

Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition, ₦500,000 in cash believed to be ransom proceeds, and a brand-new Honda motorcycle purchased with kidnapping money. Notably, Abubakar Usman gained notoriety after appearing in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and wads of cash.Force spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said preliminary investigations confirm the duo's involvement in a dangerous syndicate that not only terrorizes communities through abductions but also supplies arms to other criminal groups. 

Both men are cooperating with investigators, which police hope will lead to more arrests and weapon recoveries.Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun praised the team's professionalism and reiterated the force's commitment to dismantling such networks. This arrest comes amid heightened concerns over banditry in the region, offering a glimmer of hope for affected communities seeking relief from persistent violence.