The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating on the outskirts of Abuja, including a pregnant woman nabbed over alleged kidnapping network .
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed this while parading the suspects in Abuja. The arrests followed a clearance operation in the Byazin area on June 11, 2026, and a subsequent raid of a hideout .
The pregnant suspect, Hauwa Shafiu, allegedly served as a cook and logistics supplier for the criminal gang and their hostages. Sanusi said her pregnancy did not deter her from committing the crime . She later delivered a healthy baby in police custody and is receiving medical care .
Other suspects arrested include Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha . Police said the group had infiltrated a community just one kilometre from the FCT, enabling them to gather intelligence and coordinate attacks .
Recovered items include four motorcycles, tramadol tablets, five phones, a POS machine, cooking utensils, and N320,000 cash believed to be proceeds from a kidnapping ransom . One suspect allegedly confessed the money was his share of a N7 million ransom .
Sanusi said the command would demolish identified hideouts in collaboration with the FCT Administration .
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