By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating on the outskirts of Abuja. Among those arrested was a heavily pregnant woman who served as cook and logistics supplier for the criminal gang and their hostages.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, paraded the suspects before journalists in Abuja on Monday. He said the arrests followed a clearance operation at Byazin area on June 11, 2026, during which some bandits were arrested, others neutralised, and victims rescued.
According to the commissioner, the woman identified as Hauwa Shafiu was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest. Despite her condition, she continued to supply food and logistics to the gang and their captives.
“As a follow-up to that operation, we stormed a suspected bandit and kidnapper’s hideout within the same area and arrested some suspects,” Sanusi said. “One of the suspects, Shafiu, operates as a logistics supplier and cook for the criminal gang and their hostages.”
The commissioner added that upon her arrest, he ordered that she be taken to the hospital. She subsequently gave birth while in custody. “The baby is sound and safe. She too is sound. We have provided every medical need while she recuperates,” he said.
Other suspects arrested are Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Preliminary investigations revealed that the group was part of a criminal network involved in kidnapping and banditry within and around the FCT.
Sanusi said the group had infiltrated a local community located about one kilometre from the FCT boundary. This allowed them to gather intelligence and coordinate repeated attacks on targeted persons and locations.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects included four motorcycles, 41 pieces of tramadol tablets of different strengths, five phones, one POS machine, cooking utensils, and N320,000 cash. The commissioner said the cash was part of the proceeds from a recent kidnapping ransom.
The FCT Police Command announced it will demolish the identified hideouts of the suspects in collaboration with the FCT Administration. Sanusi also declared several bandits wanted and warned that the command was prepared for direct confrontation with criminal elements.
