Nigerian police say they have arrested two men believed to be leading figures in a violent banditry and kidnapping network operating across several states.

This is contained in a statement released on by Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations in Abuja said officers from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), working with the Kwara State Police Command, carried out a covert operation on Friday, 19 December 2025, along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The suspects were identified as Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, known as Gide, aged 30. Both were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village.

Police said items recovered during the operation included a brand new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, valued at about ₦1.85 million, which investigators believe was bought with ransom proceeds. Officers also seized ₦500,000 in cash, suspected to be unspent ransom money, as well as an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition.

According to preliminary investigations, the two men are members of a notorious gang linked to banditry and kidnapping in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara states. Police also allege the group is involved in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.

Both suspects are said to be cooperating with investigators, as efforts continue to track down other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.

Police further confirmed that one of the suspects, Abubakar Usman, was recently identified as the individual featured in a viral social media video showing firearms and large sums of money.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised officers involved in the operation, describing it as a significant step in tackling organised crime.

He reiterated the force’s commitment to combating banditry and kidnapping and urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support security efforts.