By Olawumi Oyehan
Five suspects linked to a kidnapping and banditry network operating on the outskirts of Abuja, including a heavily pregnant woman who served as a cook and logistics supplier for the criminal gang and their hostages, have been arrested by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, while parading the suspects before journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the arrests followed a clearance operation at the Byazin area of the FCT on June 11, 2026, during which some bandits were arrested, others were neutralised, and victims were rescued.
According to him, the woman, identified as Hauwa Shafiu, was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest, but had continued to supply food and logistics to the gang and their captives.
Other suspects arrested are: Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, and Shamsudeen Mustapha.
“As a follow-up to that operation, upon further engagements, we stormed a suspected bandits’ and kidnappers’ hideout within the same area and arrested some suspects.
“One of the suspects, Shafiu, operates as a logistics supplier and cook for the criminal gang and their hostages. She was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest, even though her pregnancy did not deter her from continuously committing this heinous crime,” the commissioner said.
He added that upon her arrest, he ordered that she be taken to a hospital, where she subsequently gave birth.
“The baby is sound and safe. She too is sound. We have provided every medical need while we watch her recuperate,” he said, noting that she remained in the police clinic.