In a proactive move against the rising threat of ‘one chance’ criminal activities, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully impounded 17 vehicles, linked to the notorious syndicate, in a month-long operation. Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, disclosed this during a press briefing held today in Abuja.
By Lot Sunday
The vehicles, all lacking number plates and equipped with tinted glasses, were apprehended by the anti-one chance clearance squad between December 1 and the present date. Garba emphasized that these efforts were a response to credible intelligence, suggesting an imminent surge in criminal activities orchestrated by the ‘one chance’ syndicate.
Interrogations of the detained vehicle operators are underway to ascertain their involvement in the nefarious one-chance operations. Commissioner Garba made it clear that those found guilty during the ongoing investigations would face legal consequences as they are brought to court.
Highlighting recent successes, Garba mentioned the arrest of two suspected one-chance operators on December 15 by operatives from Galadima Division, with three others managing to evade capture. The suspects freely admitted their involvement in criminal activities in the Life-Camp, Karmo, and Gwarimpa areas.
Further actions by the police, including the arrest of seven notorious one-chance syndicate members (three males and four females) on December 24 by Utako Division, revealed a shocking confession. One of the female suspects admitted to participating in a series of one-chance activities over the past three years, including the murder of a lady by the gang.
The investigation following this confession led to the arrest of a point-of-sale (POS) operator who facilitated the gang’s illicit money withdrawals using victims’ ATM cards.
In another daring incident on December 26, operatives from Galadima Division responded to a distress call reporting four armed men forcibly abducting a lady from her KIA Sorento vehicle (Reg No. NJC 93 FG). The police gave chase, resulting in the abandonment of both the victim and the criminals’ Toyota Camry (Reg No. 584 HK). A subsequent search uncovered a pump-action gun, two cartridges, ATM cards, and other stolen valuables.
The victim’s KIA Sorento and the criminals’ operational vehicle are now in police custody, as efforts intensify to apprehend the fleeing suspects. Commissioner Garba assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the FCT, urging continued cooperation and vigilance from the community.
