Police destroy terrorist camp in Abuja, arrest four suspected kidnappers

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police have dismantled a suspected terrorist camp and apprehended four individuals believed to be part of a kidnapping and banditry network. The operation took place in the Paze–Byazhin hills, on the outskirts of Abuja.

Authorities acted on intelligence gathered during a recent anti-kidnapping operation led by the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Ahmed Sanusi. A follow-up raid on June 11 at a hideout in the Paze hills, a remote area bordering the FCT, Kaduna, and Niger states, resulted in the arrest of Yahaya Abdullahi, Muhammed Yunusa, Hauwa Shafiu, and Shamsudeen Mustapha. Preliminary investigations suggest the camp served as a coordination point for armed bandits planning attacks.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network involved in kidnapping and banditry activities within the FCT and adjoining states," stated Josephine Adeh, the command’s spokesperson. In a subsequent operation on Monday, June 15, the camp was completely dismantled, with makeshift shelters and storage facilities destroyed. One suspect, Hauwa Shafiu, allegedly acted as a logistics supplier and cook for the network. She was pregnant at the time of her arrest and has since given birth while in custody, receiving medical care for herself and her newborn.

Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network and dismantle the broader criminal structure operating in the region. Abuja has recently seen a rise in kidnappings and violent attacks, particularly in its outskirts and along major highways, with areas like the Bwari Area Council being heavily affected.

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Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of a coordinated criminal network involved in kidnapping and banditry activities within the FCT and adjoining states.