Police Arrest Notorious Bandits Flaunting Firearms in Viral Video, Recover AK-47, Motorcycle, and Cash

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.

In a statement released on Friday, December 19, the Force spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team, attached to Kwara State, carried out a covert operation in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command along the Komen Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30, were apprehended in Komen Masallaci village while allegedly planning further criminal operations. During the operation, several items were recovered, including a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at N1,850,000, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds from ransom payments. Authorities also recovered N500,000 in cash, reportedly unspent ransom money, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.

Preliminary investigations indicated that both suspects are active members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara States. Further findings revealed that the gang also operates as a supplier of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements in the region, increasing the threat posed to both security forces and civilians.

CSP Hundeyin noted that Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, had recently been identified as the individual seen in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of cash. The video had sparked widespread concern among residents and authorities, highlighting the boldness of criminal elements operating in the region.

Both suspects are reportedly cooperating fully with investigators to facilitate the arrest of other gang members and the recovery of additional weapons. Security sources described the arrests as a critical step in curbing the surge of violent crimes and kidnappings in northwestern and central Nigeria.

Authorities have urged members of the public to continue providing timely intelligence to assist law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks, warning that banditry and kidnapping remain major threats to peace and stability in the affected states.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, vowing to intensify operations against armed criminal groups and ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full weight of the law.