A dramatic twist has emerged in the Federal Capital Territory’s ongoing fight against kidnapping after a pregnant woman arrested during a police operation gave birth while in custody.
The development followed the arrest of four suspects allegedly linked to a criminal group accused of supporting kidnapping and banditry activities within and around Abuja. Moreover, police said the woman was believed to have played a key support role for the group before her arrest.
The case has attracted attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the suspect’s detention and childbirth. Meanwhile, security agencies say the arrests mark another breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating across the FCT.
The suspects were apprehended during an anti-kidnapping operation carried out on June 9 in the Paze-Byazhin area of the Federal Capital Territory.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Sanusi, confirmed the arrests and provided details of the investigation.
According to the police chief, four suspects identified as Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, Hauwa Shafiu, and Shamsudeen Mustapha were taken into custody during the operation.
CP Sanusi stated:
“Following a recent anti-kidnapping and rescue operation held on June 9, in the Paze-Byazhin area of the FCT, four suspects were apprehended.”
He explained that early findings linked the suspects to an alleged criminal group involved in kidnapping and banditry activities.
According to investigators, the group was believed to have operated within parts of the FCT and surrounding communities.
Furthermore, police revealed that one of the suspects, Hauwa Shafiu, was heavily pregnant when she was arrested.
CP Sanusi said:
“One of the suspects, Hauwa Shafiu, who operates as a logistics supplier and cook for the criminal gang and their hostages, was heavily pregnant at the time of her arrest and subsequently delivered a healthy baby while in Police custody.”
The police commissioner added that proper medical care was provided throughout the process.
He noted that both mother and child received adequate attention and were reported to be in stable condition.
The latest arrest has brought renewed attention to the structure of criminal groups operating in the region.
Investigators believe some members play support roles rather than taking part directly in attacks.
However, authorities said such support activities remain important to the operation of criminal networks.
According to police, four motorcycles were recovered during the operation.
In addition, officers seized tramadol tablets, mobile phones, cash, a Point of Sale machine, and cooking utensils.
Police disclosed that a total of N320,000 was recovered from the suspects.
Furthermore, thirty-one tablets of 500mg tramadol and ten tablets of 50mg tramadol were also seized.
Therefore, the arrest of individuals allegedly responsible for logistics support could assist ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, police authorities have assured residents that operations against kidnapping and banditry will continue across the territory.
