In a followup to last week’s arrest of “one-chance” robbery suspects, the FCT Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu, on Thursday, paraded seven more suspects and seized 13 tinted vehicles used in criminal activities.

During a press briefing, CP Disu shared the latest developments in the police’s ongoing crackdown against these notorious robbery syndicates that have been preying on commuters.

Disu began by reiterating the FCT Police Command’s commitment to fighting crime, particularly as the holiday season approaches, a period traditionally marked by a spike in criminal activities. He expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from the public, which he emphasized has been crucial in achieving recent successes.

The Commissioner credited the reduction in “one-chance” robberies to a combination of robust intelligence gathering, well-coordinated tactical operations, and strong community cooperation.

“Last week, we updated you on the progress we’ve made in tackling criminal activities within the FCT. Today, I am proud to share that our efforts against the ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicates are yielding substantial results,” said CP Disu.

“We are optimistic that these successes will continue, leading to a safer environment for residents and commuters.”

“One-chance” robbers, notorious for their use of tinted vehicles to deceive and rob unsuspecting passengers, have been a persistent issue in the FCT. However, the recent operations have dealt a significant blow to these criminal networks, dismantling key elements of the syndicates responsible for these crimes.

“One of the most notable operations led to the arrest of three key members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating out of the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, just on the outskirts of Abuja. These suspects, Abba Godwin, Abraham Anthony, and Moses Obi, were arrested after extensive surveillance and intelligence work. The police are still in pursuit of the gang leader, “Friday Ogwuche,” a fugitive said to be at the helm of a larger criminal network spanning multiple states.

“Abba Godwin, 42, from Benue State, had only been with the syndicate for three months but played a crucial role in luring victims into the gang’s operational vehicles. He confessed to earning between N20,000 and N40,000 daily from the robberies. Abraham Anthony, 27, from Kaduna State, had been involved with the gang since August 2024, while Moses Obi, from Cross River State, had been with the syndicate for several months. Moses provided vital intelligence that helped police locate and apprehend the gang’s primary driver, identified only as “Dangote.

“The police operation also resulted in the seizure of two vehicles used by the syndicate in their operations: a Green Golf 3 and an Ash-Colored Peugeot 406. These vehicles were utilized to transport victims, who were often subjected to violent robbery, sometimes resulting in injury.

“In another breakthrough, three more suspects were arrested in connection with a separate “one-chance” robbery operation.”

“Moses Steven, Jude Simon, and Terfa Akaaer were apprehended after police conducted a targeted raid. Moses, a member since December 2023, admitted to travelling to Abuja during festive periods to collaborate with the gang. Jude Simon, who had been with the group for over a year, and Terfa Akaaer, a taxi driver from Mararaba, had been assisting the group by using his vehicle to deceive victims.”

“Perhaps the most high-profile arrest came with the capture of Hyacinth Avetse, a key member of a larger “one-chance” syndicate operating in the area. Avetse, apprehended at the Area 1 Roundabout, had been involved in the criminal network since February 2023. He reportedly earned over N1.4 million from his illicit activities.

“During his arrest, police seized a Green Lexus Saloon Car and a Blue Toyota Corolla, along with several electronic devices including POS machines, laptops, phones, and foreign currency, all believed to be linked to the syndicate’s operations.”

“In total, the FCT Police Command has made recoveries in the past week, including 13 vehicles, seven suspects, three POS machines, five laptops, three phones, and over $200 in cash.”

“In addition, items such as memory cards, a blindfold, and pliers were recovered, which are believed to have been used in the execution of the robberies.”

At the conclusion of the briefing, CP Disu urged the public to remain vigilant, especially as the holiday season approaches, and to continue reporting suspicious activities. He emphasized that the success of these operations would not have been possible without the active collaboration of the community.

Disu said, “The public’s continued support is vital to the fight against crime. Together, we will continue to make strides in making the FCT and its environs a safer place.”

The Commissioner assured the public that the FCT Police Command would maintain its tactical operations throughout the Yuletide season, reinforcing its commitment to preventing further criminal activities and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors to Abuja.

CP Disu stated, “We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that Abuja remains a safe place for everyone. These operations are just the beginning, and we remain resolute in our mission to rid the city of criminal elements.”