FCT police bust one-chance gang, rescue two victims, recover weapons, passports

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to a one-chance robbery and attempted kidnapping, rescuing two victims in the process.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, noting that the arrests followed a distress call and swift police response.

According to Adeh, the incident occurred on October 8, 2025, at about 10:09 p.m., when one Hajara Ali reported at the Life Camp Police Station that her sister, Comfort Habila, had called in distress, saying she had been abducted by suspected criminals demanding ₦1,000,000 for her release.

Acting on the report, operatives from the Life Camp Division deployed digital and tactical intelligence, tracking the suspects to Dape Village, where they were arrested around 4:30 a.m. on October 9 after a brief confrontation.

Two victims, Comfort Habila and Aliyu Adams, were rescued during the operation. Adams, who sustained multiple stab wounds, was immediately taken to Gwarinpa General Hospital for treatment.

Those arrested have been identified as Solomon Tanko, Samuel Audu, Chigozie Joseph, and Emmanuel Chidiebere.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a syndicate responsible for several one-chance robberies around the Bannex and Kado areas of Abuja. They reportedly used a vehicle with tinted windows to deceive unsuspecting passengers, robbing at least six victims before their arrest.

Items recovered from the suspects include 15 international passports, two daggers, two cutlasses, bloodstained documents, four mobile phones, two hammers, and three biros.

Adeh said the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“One-chance” robberies—where unsuspecting passengers are lured into vehicles operated by criminals—remain a persistent threat in Abuja and other major Nigerian cities. Victims are often dispossessed of cash and valuables and, in some cases, subjected to physical assault or kidnapping.

The FCT Police Command has in recent months intensified efforts to curb the menace, deploying both overt and covert operations, as well as enhancing patrols and surveillance across key transport routes. Despite these efforts, sporadic incidents continue to occur, underscoring the need for continued vigilance by residents.