Police in Nigeria have arrested two high-profile suspects accused of leading a violent kidnapping and banditry syndicate that operated across four states.
The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Abubakar Usman (known as “Siddi”) and 30-year-old Shehu Mohammadu (known as “Gide”), were intercepted during a covert operation in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Authorities say the gang was a major player in the wave of insecurity plaguing the north and central regions of the country, specifically terrorising communities in Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara.
The ‘viral’ suspect
The arrest of Abubakar Usman is particularly significant as he had recently drawn public attention through a viral video. In the footage, he was allegedly seen flaunting firearms and large bundles of cash on social media—a bold display of wealth that investigators say was the direct result of ransom payments.
During the raid, which was conducted by the Force Intelligence Department, officers recovered:
- An AK-47 rifle and 20 rounds of live ammunition.
- ₦500,000 ($315) in cash, believed to be unspent ransom money.
- A brand-new Honda Ace motorcycle, valued at ₦1.85 million, allegedly purchased with criminal proceeds.
‘Arms suppliers’
Beyond kidnapping, police investigations suggest the duo doubled as arms suppliers, providing weapons and ammunition to other criminal elements in the region. The suspects are currently in custody and are said to be cooperating with investigators to help track down other members of their network.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the professionalism of the operatives involved, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in the government’s efforts to dismantle criminal networks.
The North West and North Central regions of Nigeria have been hit hard by “banditry”—a term used to describe loosely organised criminal gangs that carry out mass abductions for ransom and violent raids on rural villages. This latest arrest is seen as a rare victory in the effort to bring high-ranking gang leaders to justice.
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