Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has announced the arrest of 14 suspected armed robbers, including members of a notorious “one chance” syndicate accused of sexually assaulting victims, as part of a sweeping crackdown on violent and property-related crimes across Abuja. Authorities also confirmed the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles in a series of coordinated operations conducted over the past three weeks.
The Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Ahmed Tijani, disclosed the developments during a media briefing at the command’s headquarters in Abuja, where the suspects were paraded before journalists. He identified those arrested as Mustapha Difcha, Ahmed Difcha, Sanusi Isa, John Emmanuel, Blessed Yusuf, Chinaza Ijere, Joshua Luka Dagana, Mohammed Sabiu, Zakariya Liman, Babajo Ishaya, Cornellius Abang, Sani Kabiru, Gambo Ibrahim, and Kandoki Ibrahim.
According to Tijani, the arrests followed intensified intelligence-led policing efforts targeting car theft networks, armed robbery gangs, and criminal groups operating under the guise of commercial transport services popularly known as “one chance.” These groups lure unsuspecting passengers into vehicles, rob them of their valuables, and in some cases, subject victims—particularly women—to sexual assault.
The police chief said the operations were carried out between late March and mid-April 2026, involving multiple divisions across the territory, including Mabushi, Durumi, Maitama, and the Central Police Station. He emphasized that the command had increased surveillance and strategic deployments in response to rising concerns about insecurity in both urban and satellite areas of the capital.
Providing further details, Tijani explained that at least 11 of the suspects were directly linked to vehicle theft and “one chance” operations, while others were apprehended in connection with related criminal activities. The recovered vehicles, he said, included a mix of sedans, SUVs, and utility vehicles stolen from various locations within and outside the FCT.
Among the recovered vehicles were a black Toyota Avalon XLE, a Toyota Camry stolen from Kaduna State, a Ford Jeep, several Toyota Corolla models, a Hyundai Elantra, a Nissan SUV, and a Toyota Hilux. Some of the vehicles were recovered within Abuja, while others were traced to neighboring states, highlighting the inter-state nature of the criminal networks.
Tijani noted that several of the recovered vehicles had already been returned to their rightful owners after proper verification, while others remain in police custody pending identification. He described the recoveries as a significant disruption to organized car theft syndicates operating in and around the capital.
One of the most disturbing incidents highlighted during the briefing occurred in the early hours of April 10, when police operatives on routine patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle along a deserted road. The vehicle, a black Hyundai, drew the attention of officers due to its unusual location and the behavior of its occupants.
As officers approached the vehicle, three suspects reportedly alighted and opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest. The police responded, injuring and apprehending one of the suspects, later identified as Kandoki Ibrahim, while the others fled into nearby bushes. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the shocking discovery of two female victims bound with ropes in the back seat.
The victims were immediately rescued, and one of them later told investigators that she had been raped by one of the suspects while held captive in the vehicle. The revelation underscored the brutal nature of the crimes perpetrated by the syndicate and reinforced public fears about the dangers posed by “one chance” operators.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Cornellius Abang, who had initially escaped the scene. Police said the victims positively identified him as the individual responsible for tying and sexually assaulting one of them. Both suspects remain in custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Beyond the arrests linked to violent crimes, the police also announced the detention of a 24-year-old content creator, Pam Joshua, for allegedly spreading false security information capable of inciting panic among residents. Joshua, a resident of Bwari, was accused of fabricating gunshot sounds and overlaying them on a video to falsely suggest that bandits had infiltrated the Federal Capital Territory.
Authorities said the video, which circulated widely on social media, caused unnecessary alarm before it was debunked. Tijani confirmed that Joshua had been arraigned before a competent court on charges including injurious falsehood and breach of public peace. He has since been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
The Commissioner used the occasion to warn against the dissemination of unverified information, stressing that such actions undermine security efforts and create avoidable fear among the public. He urged residents, particularly content creators and social media users, to verify security-related information through official channels before sharing it.
Tijani also reiterated the commitment of the FCT Police Command to safeguarding lives and property, noting that additional measures were being implemented to strengthen security across the territory. He revealed that plans were underway to increase manpower, especially in satellite towns where residents have expressed concerns about police visibility and response times.
The recent operations, he said, reflect a broader strategy focused on proactive policing, community engagement, and the use of intelligence to dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out attacks. He assured residents that the command would sustain its efforts and continue to adapt to emerging security challenges.
The developments come amid growing public anxiety over incidents of kidnapping, robbery, and “one chance” attacks in parts of Abuja and its outskirts. While the police maintain that progress is being made, residents have repeatedly called for sustained action to curb the activities of criminal elements exploiting the city’s rapid expansion and transportation gaps.
For now, the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of victims represent a significant breakthrough in the fight against organized crime in the nation’s capital. However, authorities acknowledge that continued vigilance, cooperation from the public, and consistent enforcement will be essential to maintaining security gains and preventing a resurgence of such crimes.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments