By Nworisa Michael
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested two suspected bandits linked to violent crimes across several northern states, following a covert intelligence-led operation in Kwara State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department after weeks of surveillance and tracking.
One of the suspects was identified as Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Siddi, who was recently seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money on social media. The second suspect, identified as Shehu Mohammadu, also known as Gide, was arrested alongside him.
According to the police, items recovered from the suspects include a brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle, ₦500,000 in cash, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping syndicate operating across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara States. The police further disclosed that the gang is also involved in supplying arms and ammunition to other criminal groups within the region.
The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators to assist in the arrest of other members of the criminal network and the recovery of additional weapons.
Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to dismantling criminal networks and tackling banditry and kidnapping across the country.
The police also called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing security operations nationwide.