By Joe Udo
ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Operatives of the Nigeria Police have arrested two suspected bandits and kidnapping kingpins linked to kidnappings, violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.
According to The Whistler, the operatives, from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, working with the Kwara State Police Command, tracked and intercepted the suspects during a covert operation in Komen-Masallaci village in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Police identified the suspects as key members of a criminal gang operating along the Komen-Masallaci axis, an area that has witnessed repeated incidents of banditry and abductions.
They are Abubakar Usman, also known as Siddi, ‘m’, aged 26, and Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide, ‘m’, aged 30.
Investigators linked Usman to a viral video on TikTok in which he was seen brandishing firearms and displaying large sums of money.
Searches conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of a Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at N1.85 million, which investigators traced to ransom proceeds.
Operatives also recovered N500,000 in cash believed to be unspent ransom money, as well as an AK-47 rifle with a loaded magazine containing 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 suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements,” Force PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement.
Hundeyin said the Force is expanding operations based on intelligence obtained from the suspects, who are assisting security agencies to identify other gang members and uncover additional weapons caches.
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Beyond the arrests in Kwara State, police operations conducted in several parts of the country led to the apprehension of 22 additional suspects linked to offences ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to cattle rustling, car snatching, impersonation, economic sabotage and drug trafficking.
These operations also resulted in the recovery of firearms, vehicles, motorcycles, illicit drugs and other items believed to have been used in criminal activities.
During the operations, police recovered six firearms, including one LAR rifle, one pump-action gun, one AK-49 rifle, one AK-47 rifle and one submachine gun, alongside two live rounds of ammunition. Operatives also seized 45 additional exhibits comprising vehicles, motorcycles and suspected illicit substances.
“In a major operation along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle conveying 13 brand-new motorcycles, alongside weapons and other incriminating items.
“Further investigations into the matter led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, in connection with armed robbery and economic sabotage,” Hundeyin said.
“Closely related operations within the Federal Capital Territory also resulted in the arrest of a Kuje Custodial Centre escapee, Ayo Abiodun, who is suspected to have violently robbed a serving Nigerian Army officer.
“In another development, a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested, from whom a stolen tricycle was recovered.
“Investigation revealed that Shehu was impersonating a police officer, and recovered in his possession were a pair of police mobile uniforms and a police identity card.
“More so, STS operatives intercepted a vehicle conveying large quantities of leaves suspected to be cannabis and other controlled substances.”
Further enforcement actions in Edo State led to the arrest of four suspects for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for alleged violent attacks on a community.
In Lagos and Ogun States, operatives dismantled part of a car-snatching syndicate, arresting two suspects connected to the theft and redistribution of stolen vehicles.
In Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, police arrested 12 suspects in connection with banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, recovering several firearms during the operations.
Hundeyin noted that investigations into all cases remain ongoing, adding that suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with extant laws.
