Kaduna Shockwave: Bandit Warlord Finally Captured After Over A Decade In Hiding!

In a major security breakthrough, the Kaduna State Police Command has apprehended a feared bandit leader, Mati Bagio, after 11 years on the run.

According to iReporter Online, the 34-year-old suspect was arrested during a sting operation at his residence in Unguwan Galadima, Giwa Local Government Area.

Bagio, police say, masterminded a series of deadly raids across Kaduna and Katsina States, targeting communities in Giwa, Hunkuyi, Faskari, Dandume, and Funtua. His gang is said to have been responsible for numerous killings, abductions, and armed robberies in the region. A large cache of arms was recovered at the time of his arrest, including two AK-47 rifles (one fabricated), a pump-action shotgun, pistols, several magazines, and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

“This arrest marks a critical step in dismantling criminal syndicates terrorizing our communities,” said State Command spokesperson, Mansir Hassan.

According to iReporter Online, the police also rescued 31 abducted victims in Edo and Taraba states. In Edo, a joint team of police and local security forces launched a daring raid near the Obe Hill area, successfully rescuing 14 victims who had been kidnapped during an ambush on the Fugar-Agenebode road. In Taraba, police thwarted a late-night highway kidnapping, freeing all 17 passengers abducted from a white bus travelling from Enugu to Yola.

Meanwhile, in Kaduna, police recovered a Toyota Prado SUV stolen at gunpoint in Abuja. Though the suspect escaped, the vehicle was secured and will be returned to the FCT Police Command.

In another development, four men — identified as Yusuf Yakubu, Abubakar Jibrin, Mustapha Aliyu, and Yunusa Yusuf — were arrested for operating a deadly motorcycle theft ring. The suspects allegedly attacked, maimed, or killed commercial riders before stealing their bikes. Two stolen motorcycles were recovered.

The police also reported an attempted bribery incident in the Federal Capital Territory. A 40-year-old man, Yahaya Saleh, was arrested for offering a N1.5 million bribe to investigators to release a suspected kidnapper in custody. According to iReporter Online, the FCT Police Command rejected the bribe, arrested Saleh, and initiated legal proceedings against him.

On another note, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the Registrar of the University of Medical Sciences, Mr. Ezekiel Imole Adeniran, was assassinated. He was found dead in his residence on July 17, 2025, days after last appearing at work. Authorities say two unidentified men forced an unknown substance into another person’s mouth, but investigations are still ongoing.

The institution’s management described Mr. Adeniran’s death as a tragic and devastating loss, while the police continue pursuing those responsible. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has commended the officers involved in the series of successful operations and assured Nigerians that the fight against criminality will continue with intensified resolve.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”