Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Port Harcourt resident, Kelvin Inikio, has recounted his harrowing experience of being robbed and assaulted by suspected one-chance operators after boarding a commercial mini bus in the city. The incident, which occurred around 7 p.m. on Friday, September 4, 2026, has once again highlighted the growing menace of criminal gangs that prey on unsuspecting commuters in Rivers State.
Inikio told journalists that he boarded a tricycle at Rumuosi, heading to Igbo-Etche, unaware that the three men already inside the vehicle were waiting for their next victim. As they approached Rumuokoro, one of the men moved closer to him and allegedly pulled out a gun. The suspects demanded his ATM card, searched his bag, and collected about N5,000 in cash. "They took my ATM card. They asked me for my phone, but I told them I didn't have one. They asked how much money I had, and I said I didn't have anything. They scattered my bag and took the little money I had with me," he recounted.
Inikio said he was also assaulted during the incident and sustained injuries. It was only when he got home that he discovered the suspects had allegedly used his ATM card to carry out online transactions through SportyBet, resulting in the loss of the money in his bank account. "It was when I got to the house that I noticed they used my ATM to do online transactions. I don't know the transaction, but I saw that it was on SportyBet. The money in my account was gone," he said. He added that a woman later gave him N2,000, which enabled him to make a transfer and get home.
Inikio has now called on the government and security agencies to take urgent steps to curb the growing menace of one-chance operators in the city. The call comes as the Rivers State Police Command paraded suspected one-chance operators arrested across the state, assuring residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property. In July 2026, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command arrested an 11-man syndicate of one-chance operators, including a female member, and recovered several vehicles.
The incident has added to growing concerns over the security of commuters in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State. Residents have repeatedly raised alarms over the activities of one-chance operators, who often target unsuspecting passengers, robbing them of their valuables and sometimes causing physical harm. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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