AISHA ABUBAKAR
Security has been tightened around the Paze–Byazhin hills after the FCT Police Command arrested four suspects allegedly running a kidnapping and banditry network in the border region between Abuja, Niger and Kaduna State.
According to Police sources, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi led coordinated raids on 9th and 11th June, 2026, dismantled the group’s operational base.
SP Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the suspects’ identities and said intelligence linked the hills to planning of criminal movements across the FCT–Kaduna–Niger corridor. According to the Police statement dated 15th June 2026, the operations targeted a forested hideout identified by security operatives as a convergence point for criminal activities in the region.
P.M.EXPRESS gathered from Police sources that the initial anti-kidnapping and rescue operation was conducted on 9th June 2026 in the Paze–Byazhin area of the FCT. A follow-up tactical raid on 11th June, 2026 led to the arrest of the four suspects at a location around the hills allegedly used by the group as a meeting point.
Preliminary investigations by the Police indicate that the suspects were part of a coordinated network allegedly involved in kidnapping and banditry activities within the FCT and adjoining states. The Command said intelligence gathering linked the location to planning and coordination of criminal movements.
During interrogation, the Police alleged that the suspects confessed that the Paze hills location served as a point where armed individuals met to coordinate movements and relay information on intended targets. According to the Police statement, the group admitted providing logistical support to persons operating in the surrounding areas.
According to the Police statement, the suspects said the network provided food, medical assistance, illicit drugs and other supplies to support operations in nearby areas. The Command stated that the confession formed part of ongoing investigation to map the wider criminal structure and identify other members.
In another operation led by CP Sanusi on 15th June 2026, Police operatives returned to the identified location. The FCT Police Command said the criminal hideout was dislodged and makeshift structures as well as storage facilities allegedly used by the suspects were destroyed to disrupt their operational base in the area.
One of the arrested persons, Hauwa Shafiu, was identified by the Police as a logistics supplier and cook for the network. According to the Police statement, she was pregnant at the time of arrest and has since been delivered of a healthy baby while in lawful custody. The Police confirmed that she and the newborn are receiving adequate medical care under supervision.
The suspects are being held while investigation continues. Police said efforts are being intensified to identify and apprehend other members of the network. Authorities stated that findings will determine charges under relevant sections of Nigerian law, including Section 3 of the Terrorism Prevention Act and the Penal Code.
CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi reiterated the Command’s commitment to securing the FCT and its border areas. The Commissioner said tactical operations will continue around Paze–Byazhin and other identified flashpoints to prevent kidnapping and banditry activities within the Niger-Kaduna-FCT border security corridor.
The FCT Police Command urged residents and travelers around Niger, Kaduna and FCT borders to report suspicious movements to the nearest Police station. SP Josephine Adeh said community intelligence remains critical in dismantling criminal networks operating in forested and hilly terrains.
P.M.EXPRESS notes that security operations around the FCT–Kaduna–Niger border have increased in 2026 as authorities target kidnapping and banditry networks.