Pregnant Woman Arrested for Cooking for Kidnap Gang

On June 11, 2026, the FCT Police Command arrested five suspects linked to a kidnapping network on the outskirts of Abuja, including a heavily pregnant woman identified as Hauwa Shafiu. She was serving as a cook and logistical supplier for the gang.

The operation, which took place in the Byazin area, resulted in the rescue of victims and the arrest of other suspects. Upon her arrest, Shafiu was taken to a hospital where she subsequently gave birth to a healthy baby.

The police investigation revealed that the suspects were part of a criminal network involved in kidnapping within and around the FCT, strategically embedding themselves in local communities. Items recovered from the suspects included four motorcycles, 31 pieces of 500mg tramadol tablets, 10 pieces of 50mg tramadol tablets, five phones, cooking utensils, and N320,000 in cash, which was part of a ransom payment.

The police plan to demolish identified hideouts used by the suspects in collaboration with the FCT administration.