The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two notorious bandits and kidnapping kingpins responsible for violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.
The Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), attached to Kwara State, in a covert operation on December 19, carried out the operation in collaboration with operatives of the Kwara State Police Command.
During the operation, police intercepted and arrested the two members of a dangerous banditry and kidnapping gang along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, named the suspects as Abubakar Usman, alias Siddi, aged 26 and Shehu Mohammadu, alias Gide, aged 30.
Hundeyin said both suspects were arrested in Komen–Masallaci village of Kaiama Local Government Area of the State.
Items recovered from the suspects include one brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000.00, which investigations revealed was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments; ₦500,000.00 unspent ransom money and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States. Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as a supplier 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,” Hundeyin said.
Police further noted that one of the suspects, Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as the individual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the operatives for their professionalism and dedication, and reassured Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
Meanwhile, members of the public have been encouraged to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
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