The Nigeria Police Force has announced a breakthrough in the fight against insecurity following the arrest of two notorious kidnapping kingpins whose operations spanned across four northern states.

In a statement released on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended during a high-stakes covert operation in Kwara State.

The operation, conducted by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) in collaboration with the Kwara State Command, led to the arrest of Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), 26, and Shehu Mohammadu (alias Gide), 30.

“The suspects were intercepted along the Komen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State,” Hundeyin stated.

“Preliminary investigation revealed they are members of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communities across Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kwara states,” he added.

The police recovered significant incriminating items during the raid, “including an AK-47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of live ammunition and ₦500,000 in cash, which the authorities identified as unspent ransom money.”

Also seized was a brand new Honda Ace 125 motorcycle valued at ₦1,850,000.

“Investigations revealed the motorcycle was purchased with proceeds of ransom payments.

“Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles as suppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements” the FPRO added.

One of the suspects, Abubakar Usman (Siddi), had reportedly been on the police radar for some time.

He was recently identified as the individual in a viral social media video seen flaunting illegal firearms and large sums of cash.

Hundeyin noted that the suspects are currently “cooperating with investigators to enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery of additional weapons.”

Reacting to the breakthrough, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, praised the operatives for their “professionalism and dedication” to the mission.

“The Force remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the IG was quoted as saying.

The police high command urged the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to aid ongoing security efforts across the country. (PUNCH)