Pregnant woman, four others nabbed over alleged kidnapping network in Abuja
Federal Police Arrest Five Suspects Linked to Kidnapping Network on Abuja Outskirts
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has apprehended five individuals suspected of involvement in a kidnapping and banditry network operating near Abuja. Among those arrested is a pregnant woman accused of supplying food and logistical support to the group.
This announcement was made by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi during a press briefing in Abuja. The arrests occurred during a clearance operation in the Byazin area on June 11, 2026. During the operation, police apprehended several suspected bandits, neutralized others, and rescued victims of kidnapping.
“Further intelligence-led operations directed our officers to another suspected hideout where additional arrests were made,” Sanusi said.
Among the detainees is Hauwa Shafiu, identified as a logistics supplier and cook for the criminal organization. Despite being heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest, Sanusi noted that she continued her alleged involvement in criminal activities.
After her detainment, Shafiu was hospitalized and subsequently delivered a healthy baby. “Both mother and child are well. We have ensured all medical needs are met while she recovers,” Sanusi added.
Also taken into custody were Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are part of a network responsible for kidnapping and banditry in and around the Federal Capital Territory.
Sanusi highlighted that the group had embedded itself within a local community approximately one kilometer from the FCT, enabling them to gather intelligence and orchestrate targeted attacks.
During the operation, authorities recovered several items, including four motorcycles, quantities of tramadol tablets, five mobile phones, a Point of Sale (POS) machine, cooking utensils, and 320,000 Naira in cash. The commissioner indicated that the money may be linked to ransom payments from a recent kidnapping and suggested that one detainee admitted the sum represented his share of such proceeds.
Additionally, one suspect allegedly aided two fleeing bandits during the June 11 operation by providing a motorcycle. Mustapha is also accused of supplying illicit drugs to members of the network.
Sanusi announced that the Police Command, in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, plans to demolish structures identified as hideouts for the suspects. Efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals linked to the network, with several wanted suspects already identified by security agencies.
