*Recover 13 Operational vehicles from hoodlums, other items
Jonas Ezieke, Abuja
In its unwavering commitment to eradicate the activities of “one-chance” robbery syndicates terrorizing commuters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the tactical team of the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, under the leadership of CP Olatunji Disu, has made significant progress in its ongoing operations.
The Police boss who disclosed this at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters on Thursday said that the breakthroughs were achieved through robust intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted interventions.
He said that a notable trend identified during these operations is that most vehicles used by the syndicates are tinted, making it easier for the criminals to conceal their identities and avoid detection.
The Command he further stated has dismantled key syndicates, apprehended suspects, and recovered crucial exhibits.
The achievements made by the Police Command also underscores its staunch commitment to protect residents, especially during the yuletide season when criminal activities typically increase.
They arrested a notorious syndicate members and recovered exhibits from them
In carrying out the directives of the Police boss, operatives apprehended three key suspects linked to a network of ‘one chance’ robbers reportedly led by one Friday Ogwuche, who is now at large.
Operating from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State, the syndicate extended its activities to densely populated areas of the FCT. These arrests represent a significant stride in the Command’s fight against organized crime, with ongoing investigations to apprehend accomplices and bring the fugitive leader to justice.
Giving further details on the arrest, the Police said Abba Godwin 42, from Benue State a member of the syndicate for three months was apprehended.
Abba reportedly played the role of a fake passenger to lure unsuspecting victims. The group operating line is Maraba axis, AY junction , Kubwa express and etc.
He admitted to earning between ₦20,000 and ₦40, 000 daily from their operations.
Another suspect Abraham Anthony 27, from Kaduna State who joined the gang in August 2024, confessed to targeting commuters during early morning rush hours at locations like Nyanya Market and Area 1.
His confessed to earning average of ₦40 000 per operation.
Also, one Moses Obi from Cross River State seasoned member since June 2024, Moses identified potential victims at crowded bus stops and marketplaces.
He also provided information on their primary driver, nicknamed “Dangote,” recruited by the gang leader.
Some exhibits were recovered from them after their arrest.including their operational vehicles, one green colored golf three car with Reg. No. TRN 647 AA, and one ash colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg. No. ABJ 145 LQ, were also recovered from them.
On the arrest of robbery/one-chance suspects and recovery of vehicles, Police said that a targeted operation led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be active members of another notorious “one-chance” syndicate:
Moses Steven 23, from Benue State residing in the North Bank area of Markurdi admitted to joining the syndicate in December 2023. He revealed that he traveled to Abuja during festive periods to collaborate with other members organized by the ringleader, “Baba Peter,” based in Jos, Plateau State.
Another suspect Jude Simon confessed to being involved in robbery operations for over a year, primarily targeting commuters entering the FCT in the early morning hours.
Again, one Terfa Akaaer from Benue State a taxi driver residing near Mararaba Park was also apprehended by the Police.
Terfa admitted to collaborating with the gang when recruited by “Baba Peter.” He disclosed their strategy of filling vehicles with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to lure unsuspecting victims.
Upon their arrest some exhibits recovered from them are their operational vehicles. Others are one green colored golf three car with Reg. No. TRN 647 AA, and one ash colored Peugeot 406 car with Reg. No. ABJ 145 LQ, were recovered from them.
In another significant breakthrough, Police officers arrested Hyacinth Avetse, a prominent member of a high-profile “one-chance” syndicate, at the Area 1 Roundabout.
He admitted to joining the syndicate in February 2023 and revealed that he had earned over ₦1.4 million from their operations. His arrest provided critical leads that have advanced investigations into other syndicate members.
He was apprehended with two of their operational vehicles viz: one green colored Lexus saloon vehicle with no registration number in front, and one blue colored Toyota corolla with Reg. No. GWA 295 JS.
Other exhibits recovered by the Police team are three Point of Sale POS machines, five laptops, three.phones, one hundred and nine (109) memory cards, two hundred and three (203) dollars, several bags with cloths were also recovered from him.
The FCT Police Commissioner CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu urges residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. Community intelligence remains vital in combating crime and ensuring the safety of all.
These recent arrests and ongoing efforts to apprehended other criminals reaffirm the Command’s dedication to creating a secure environment for residents and commuters across the territory, throughout this yuletide season and beyond.