Two suspected bandits and alleged kidnapping kingpins, linked to violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states, have been apprehended by police.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects were arrested on December 19 along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Hundeyin explained that the suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman and Shehu Mohammadu, were apprehended during a covert operation by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team in Kwara State, in collaboration with state police operatives.

He added that Usman was recently seen in a viral social media video flaunting firearms and large sums of cash.

“During the operation, the following items were recovered: a brand-new red Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at N1,850,000, traced to ransom proceeds; N500,000 in cash, representing unspent ransom money; and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing 20 rounds of live ammunition,” Hundeyin said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious gang responsible for terrorizing communities in Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara states. Further findings suggest that the gang also supplies arms and ammunition to other criminal elements.

Both suspects are cooperating with investigators to facilitate the arrest of additional gang members and the recovery of more weapons.