FCT kidnap network arrest sees police detain five suspects, including a pregnant woman, linked to kidnapping and banditry in Abuja outskirts

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 heavily pregnant woman alleged to have played a logistical role in the criminal operation.

Also read: Kidnap victim escapes captivity during fierce gun battle in Zamfara

The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed the arrests while parading the suspects before journalists following a clearance operation carried out in the Byazin area on June 11, 2026.

According to him, the FCT Kidnap Network Arrest followed coordinated raids in which officers engaged suspected bandits, rescued victims and dismantled parts of the criminal hideout network operating near the territory’s boundary.

Among those arrested is Hauwa Shafiu, a heavily pregnant woman alleged to have acted as a cook and logistics supplier for the gang and their hostages. Police said her pregnancy did not deter her involvement in the alleged criminal activities.

Sanusi stated that the suspect was taken to hospital after her arrest, where she subsequently gave birth, adding that both mother and child are receiving medical attention under police supervision.

Other suspects arrested include Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa and Shamsudeen Mustapha, all of whom are being investigated for their alleged roles in kidnapping and banditry operations within and around the FCT.

The police commissioner said preliminary findings indicated that the group had embedded itself in a nearby community approximately one kilometre from the FCT boundary, using the location to coordinate attacks and gather intelligence on potential targets.

Recovered exhibits include motorcycles, phones, tramadol tablets, a POS machine, cooking utensils and cash believed to be proceeds from ransom payments.

Sanusi revealed that one suspect confessed to receiving N320,000 as part of a N7 million ransom share, while another allegedly assisted fleeing members of the gang during an earlier clearance operation.

He also identified another suspect as a drug supplier within the network, contributing to the operational logistics of the group.

The FCT Police Command further announced plans, in collaboration with the FCT Administration, to demolish identified structures used as hideouts by the suspects as part of broader counter-kidnapping efforts.

Authorities also confirmed that several suspected bandits remain at large, with their images already obtained as part of ongoing investigations and manhunt operations.

Also read: FCT Police rescue 5 kidnap victims, kill 2 suspects

Sanusi warned that security agencies remain committed to sustained operations against criminal networks in the capital territory, stressing that law enforcement efforts would continue until the groups are dismantled.