Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FID-STS) have arrested a wanted bandit leader, Mohammed Usman, popularly known as “Yellow Lawani,” while he was allegedly attempting to flee Nigeria through Kogi State.

According to a reports, the suspect was apprehended alongside his wife after intelligence operatives tracked his movement to an airport, where he had reportedly purchased flight tickets worth ₦9.8 million.

The Commander of the FID-STS, ACP Victor Ogbeide, said the arrest followed credible intelligence that enabled security operatives to monitor and intercept the suspect before he could leave the country.

Ogbeide disclosed that the tactical team trailed Usman and arrested him while he was on his way to the airport. A follow-up operation in a forest area of Kogi State also led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles allegedly linked to the suspect.

He noted that the operation forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in armed banditry across Kogi State and neighbouring areas.

Usman was reportedly arrested alongside his brother, Abubakar Usman, who denied any involvement in criminal activities and claimed he was unaware of his brother’s alleged criminal operations.

Police authorities described the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to combat banditry and improve security across the region.