For many Nigerians, kidnapping has become one of the country's most frightening security challenges. In a shocking development, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating around Abuja, including a heavily pregnant woman accused of serving as a cook and logistics supplier for the criminal gang and their captives.
According to the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, the arrests followed a major clearance operation carried out on June 11, 2026, in the Byazin area of the FCT. During the operation, security forces reportedly arrested several bandits, neutralised others, and rescued victims held by the criminal group.
One of the most startling arrests was that of Hauwa Shafiu, a woman who was heavily pregnant at the time of her capture. Police allege that despite her condition, she actively supplied food, cooked meals, and handled logistics for the kidnappers and their hostages.
Commissioner Sanusi revealed that after her arrest, she was immediately taken to a hospital where she safely gave birth. He confirmed that both mother and child are receiving medical care while investigations continue.
Other suspects arrested include Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Preliminary investigations suggest the group was part of a wider criminal network responsible for kidnappings and banditry attacks within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
Police disclosed that the suspects had strategically integrated themselves into a local community located approximately one kilometre from Abuja's boundary. This positioning allegedly enabled them to gather intelligence, monitor targets, and coordinate attacks without attracting suspicion.
During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered several exhibits believed to be linked to the gang's activities, including:
• Four motorcycles
• 31 tablets of 500mg tramadol
• 10 tablets of 50mg tramadol
• Five mobile phones
• One POS machine
• Cooking utensils
• ₦320,000 in cash
According to police, the cash recovered was allegedly part of the proceeds from a recent kidnapping ransom. One suspect reportedly confessed that the ₦320,000 represented his personal share from a ₦7 million ransom paid by victims' families.
Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that members of the network actively assisted fleeing bandits. One suspect allegedly admitted to providing a motorcycle that helped two bandits escape during the June 11 security operation.
Another suspect, Shamsudeen Mustapha, is accused of supplying drugs to members of the criminal network, further highlighting the organised nature of the operation.
In response to the discoveries, the FCT Police Command announced plans to demolish properties identified as hideouts used by the suspects. Commissioner Sanusi stated that the demolition exercise would be carried out in collaboration with the FCT Administration and warned that any property linked to criminal activities would face similar action.
The police chief also declared several wanted bandits as active targets of ongoing security operations, stating that authorities have already obtained photographs of some of the fugitives and remain committed to tracking them down.
The arrests have once again exposed the complex support systems that often sustain kidnapping operations, showing that criminal networks frequently rely on logistics suppliers, informants, and local collaborators to carry out their activities.
As investigations continue, authorities say efforts are underway to dismantle the entire network and bring all those involved to justice.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should anyone found aiding kidnappers face the same punishment as those carrying out the abductions?