Police arrest ‘bandits’ seen in viral video flaunting arms, cash

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest oftwo suspected bandits involved in killings and kidnappings across Katsina,Zamfara, Niger, and Kwara states. One of the suspects was identified as Abubakar Usman,popularly known as Siddi, who was seen in a viral video flaunting arms and largesums of money. The second suspect was identified as Shehu Mohammadu, aka Gide. In a statement on Friday, Benjamin Hundeyin, Lagos policespokesperson, said the two suspects were arrested on December 19 alongKomen–Masallaci axis in Kaiama LGA of Kwara state by operatives of the forceintelligence department–intelligence response team (FID–IRT). Hundeyin said operatives recovered one brand new Honda Ace125 motorcycle, N500,000 cash, and an AK-47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 20rounds of live ammunition from the suso The force spokesperson said the motorcycle was purchasedwith the proceeds of ransom payments. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects aremembers of a notorious banditry and kidnapping gang terrorising communitiesacross Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and Kwara States,” the statement reads. “Further findings indicate that the gang also doubles assuppliers of arms and ammunition to criminal elements. “Both suspects are currently cooperating with investigatorsto enable the arrest of other members of the syndicate and recovery ofadditional weapons. “The Nigeria Police Force further recalls that one of thesuspects, Abubakar Usman (alias Siddi), was recently identified as theindividual seen in a viral video flaunting firearms and large sums of money onsocial media. “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode AdeoluEgbetokun, PhD, NPM, commends the operatives involved for their professionalismand dedication, and reassures Nigerians of the Force’s unwavering commitment todismantling criminal networks, combating banditry and kidnapping, and ensuringthe safety and security of all citizens.” The police urged the public to provide timely and credibleinformation to aid ongoing security operations.

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