The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected banditry and kidnapping suspects in Kwara State following a covert operation carried out on December 19, 2025.
According to police authorities, operatives intercepted the suspects along the Komen–Masallaci axis of Kaiama Local Government Area during a joint operation involving the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team and the Kwara State Police Command.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Usman, 26, also known as Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu, 30, alias Gide.
Arms, Cash Recovered From Suspects
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Friday.
He said police recovered an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition. Officers also seized ₦500,000 in cash, which investigators believe came from ransom payments.
In addition, police recovered a Honda Ace 125 motorcycle that the suspects allegedly purchased with proceeds from kidnapping activities.
Linked to Wider Criminal Network
Preliminary investigations show that the suspects belong to a criminal network operating across Kwara, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina states.
Police said the group engages in kidnappings, armed attacks, and the supply of weapons to other criminal gangs. One of the suspects was also identified in a recent viral video displaying firearms and large sums of money.
The arrests come amid rising insecurity in forested communities linking several local government areas in Kwara State.
Police Continue Investigation
Hundeyin said the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators.
He added that police have intensified efforts to track down other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
Security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities.
