The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the capture of two alleged bandits accused of carrying out violent attacks, including killings and abductions, across several northern and north-central states.
Police identified the suspects as Abubakar Usman, widely known by the alias Siddi, and Shehu Mohammadu, also called Gide. Usman had previously drawn public attention after appearing in a viral video where he displayed firearms and large amounts of cash.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrests were made on December 19 along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team.
During the operation, officers, it was learned, recovered a brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, the sum of N500,000 in cash, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition. Police said the motorcycle was bought using proceeds from ransom payments.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States,” the statement reads.
“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 Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.
“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.”
The police also appealed to members of the public to continue providing useful and timely intelligence to support ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities nationwide.
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