Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Police Command has dealt a decisive blow to a notorious "one-chance" robbery syndicate that has been terrorising unsuspecting passengers in the Abeokuta metropolis, arresting two key suspects following a high-speed intelligence-led operation on August 15, 2026. The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Bidemi Tijani and 42-year-old Olajide Rasaq, were apprehended by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after a dramatic chase towards the Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta.
The breakthrough came after the command received actionable intelligence that members of the syndicate, who routinely disguise themselves as commercial taxi operators to dispossess passengers of their mobile phones, cash, and other valuables, were sighted in a taxi heading towards the Ita-Oshin area. Acting swiftly, VCRU tactical operatives gave the fleeing robbers a hot chase, eventually intercepting the vehicle and arresting the two suspects. Both suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to being active members of the "one-chance" robbery syndicate that has been terrorising commuters within the Abeokuta metropolis.
The "one-chance" robbery tactic, where criminals pose as commercial drivers to rob passengers, has become a significant concern in many Nigerian cities, leaving commuters vulnerable to theft and assault. The arrest of Tijani and Rasaq marks a significant win for the Ogun State Police Command in its ongoing efforts to clamp down on violent crimes and restore public confidence in the safety of the state's transport system. The VCRU, a specialised unit established to tackle violent crimes, has been instrumental in this crackdown, demonstrating its capacity for intelligence-driven operations and swift response.
Following the arrest, operatives have intensified efforts to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover necessary exhibits. The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives of the VCRU for their swift response, operational vigilance, and tactical professionalism. He reiterated the command's firm commitment to purging the state of criminal elements, warning that perpetrators of crime will find no safe haven in Ogun State. He further urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or criminal activities to the police without delay.
The police have provided emergency contact numbers for the public to report suspicious activities: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Lines: 09164859299 | 09154293464. As the manhunt for other gang members continues, the arrest serves as a strong deterrent to would-be criminals and a reassurance to the commuting public that the police are committed to their safety.
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