The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious bandit and kidnapping kingpins linked to a wave of violent crimes across Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kwara States.
According to a statement issued by the Force, the suspects were apprehended on Friday, December 19, 2025, during a covert, intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT), in collaboration with the Kwara State Police Command.
The operation was executed along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, following sustained surveillance and actionable intelligence on the movement of the suspects, who are believed to be key figures in a criminal network terrorising several communities across the four states.
Items recovered from the suspects during the operation include a brand-new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1.85 million, ₦500,000 cash suspected to be proceeds from ransom payments, and one AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects are members of a notorious gang involved in banditry, kidnapping and the supply of arms and ammunition to other criminal elements operating across state lines. The police said further investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and dismantle their supply chains.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to combating banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes nationwide.
The IGP also called on members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information, stressing that community cooperation remains critical to the successful arrest of fleeing suspects and the recovery of more illegal weapons.
The suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
