There has been undoubtedly a hike in the number of cases of ‘one-chance’ in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, a low profile kidnap being perpetrated by two or three individuals pretending to be commercial transporters.

Usually, an unsuspecting commuter sees a bus or taxi and boards only to be dazed with sedatives or threatened with a gun, usually a pistol, and taken to where he or she is extorted, sometimes, even maimed or killed.

A survey conducted by Kristina Reports showed that six out of ten persons in the FCT have been victims of the crime and as such have become very vigilant when boarding vehicles within the city.

In a previous report by Kristina Reports, residents complained about the consistency in the crime and how little or nothing was being done by the government to ensure safer transportation within Abuja.

However, recent reports by the police shows that efforts are being made to totally eradicate the menace called ‘one-chance’ in Abuja.

The FCT Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, paraded seven suspects and displayed confiscated 13 vehicles linked to criminal activities.

Disu highlighted progress in the ongoing crackdown on robbery syndicates targeting commuters in the nation’s capital, reaffirming the Command’s dedication to combating crime, especially, as the holiday season draws near.

He also expressed appreciation for the public’s continued support, which he described as instrumental in achieving these recent breakthroughs.

“Today, I am proud to share that our efforts against the ‘one-chance’ robbery syndicates are yielding substantial results and we are optimistic that these successes will continue, leading to a safer environment for residents and commuters.

“Three suspects, Abba Godwin, Abraham Anthony, and Moses Obi, who operated from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, were apprehended following extensive surveillance and intelligence efforts.”

“Meanwhile, the police are actively pursuing the gang leader, Friday Ogwuche, a fugitive believed to head a larger criminal network operating across 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.”

“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.”

“The gang’s method involved creating a ruse by filling the vehicle with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to entice unsuspecting passengers.”

“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.”

The FCT Police Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant, especially, as the holiday season approaches, and to continue reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that the success of these operations would not have been possible without the active collaboration of the community.

“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.”

“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.”