Police Crack Down on “One-Chance” Robbery Syndicate in Abuja; Arrest 11 Suspects

The Nigeria Police Force has successfully apprehended 11 individuals allegedly involved in a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate operating in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the arrests were made following an intelligence report received by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

The suspects, consisting of seven females and four males, were apprehended on February 19 at their hideout in the Karmo area of the FCT. ACP Adejobi revealed that the criminal activities of the group had been under investigation since January 16, with their operations spanning areas such as Gwagwalada, Area 1, AYA, Giri, and Wuse in the FCT.

During the operation, law enforcement officers recovered a Point of Sale (POS) machine and a Mazda Saloon car (Reg. No. KUJ 887 BQ) from the suspects. ACP Adejobi explained that the modus operandi of the group involved strategically placing four members in the back seat of a car and one in the front with the driver. The unsuspecting victim would be seated in a deliberately uncomfortable position, allowing the perpetrators to steal their belongings, particularly mobile phones.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to running the “one-chance” operations for over a year. Shockingly, four of the suspects were arrested with their spouses, who also confessed to being accomplices in the criminal acts.

In a related development, ACP Adejobi disclosed that on February 9, IRT operatives arrested 10 suspects involved in criminal conspiracy, transborder gunrunning, and illegal fabrication of firearms. The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, nine automatic pistols, and 1,800 rounds of live ammunition. The arrested individuals were part of a transborder gunrunning syndicate operating from Plateau to other parts of the country.

The police spokesperson emphasized that the syndicate was responsible for supplying arms and ammunition to criminal elements beyond the country’s borders. Notably, one suspect based in Cross River confessed to selling firearms, including those inherited from his late father, who was a police officer.

Over the past two weeks, the Nigeria Police Force has demonstrated its commitment to public safety, with a total of 92 suspects arrested for armed robbery, 153 for kidnapping, and nine for cultism. Law enforcement efforts have also resulted in the rescue of 35 kidnapped victims and the recovery of seven stolen vehicles. Additionally, 44 arms and 477 ammunition of various calibers have been seized.