The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested five suspects allegedly linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating around Abuja, including a pregnant woman accused of supplying food and logistical support to the criminal group.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-driven operations conducted by security operatives in parts of the FCT, according to Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, Sanusi said the operation began on June 11, 2026, when police carried out a clearance mission in the Byazin area. During the exercise, several suspected bandits were arrested, others were neutralised, and kidnapped victims were rescued.
The commissioner explained that follow-up intelligence led officers to another suspected hideout, resulting in the arrest of additional members of the alleged criminal network.
Among those arrested was Hauwa Shafiu, whom police identified as a logistics supplier and cook for the gang and their captives. Sanusi revealed that Shafiu was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest and was later taken to a hospital, where she gave birth.
“The baby is sound and safe. She too is sound. We have provided every medical need while we watch her recuperate,” the police commissioner said.
Other suspects arrested include Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Police said preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were part of a network involved in kidnapping and banditry activities within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
According to Sanusi, members of the group allegedly integrated into a local community located about one kilometre from the FCT, allowing them to gather intelligence and coordinate attacks on targeted individuals and locations.
Security operatives recovered four motorcycles, tramadol tablets, five mobile phones, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, cooking utensils, and N320,000 in cash during the operation.
Investigators believe the recovered cash may be connected to proceeds from kidnapping activities. The commissioner said one of the suspects allegedly admitted that the money represented his share of a ransom payment.
Police also alleged that one suspect confessed to providing a motorcycle that helped two fleeing bandits escape during the June 11 security operation, while another suspect was accused of supplying illicit drugs to members of the criminal network.
Sanusi further disclosed that the command, working alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration, plans to demolish structures identified as operational hideouts for the suspects.
He added that efforts are ongoing to track down other individuals linked to the alleged network, with several wanted suspects already identified by security agencies.
