The Force said the breakthrough followed an 18-month intelligence-led investigation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of a notorious “one-chance” robbery syndicate allegedly responsible for a string of kidnappings, armed robberies and extortion cases targeting commuters within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Force said the breakthrough followed an 18-month intelligence-led investigation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad.
In a documentary-style video shared on its official X handle, the police said the operation led to the dismantling of a criminal network that had “terrorised innocent citizens and threatened public safety” in the nation’s capital.
According to the police narration, the syndicate operated by disguising as commercial taxi operators, picking up unsuspecting passengers and later robbing them at gunpoint.
The Force described “One Chance” as a criminal tactic rather than a legal term.
“It is robbery, it is kidnapping,” the narration stated, noting that the gang had been under surveillance since 2025 after multiple complaints from victims.
The police said over 45 victims, mostly women, had reported being attacked by the syndicate, adding that the group’s activities had left a trail of trauma, loss and grief across Abuja.
Among the most disturbing cases, the Force referenced the deaths of two nurses, allegedly killed in separate incidents in January and February 2026, linked to the same criminal network.
A survivor interviewed in the video recounted how she and her friend boarded a black Honda vehicle at Area 8 near a mosque, unaware it was operated by armed men.
She said the suspects locked the doors shortly after departure, moved to the back seat with a dagger, tied their hands, blindfolded them, and robbed them of phones, laptops and other valuables.
The victim further alleged that the suspects forced them to reveal phone access details and later used the devices to borrow money through loan applications and transfer funds from bank accounts.
“They beat us mercilessly. They collected our phones and used them to take money from loan apps and our accounts,” she said.
According to the Commander of the Force Intelligence Department–Special Tactical Squad, the gang leader had been on the police radar since a major attack on a victim identified as Miss Issa in January 2025, during which the suspects allegedly stole about ₦11 million.
The commander said intelligence gathering over time confirmed the suspects’ patterns of movement, noting that the gang frequently changed locations and hotels to evade arrest.
“We have been on their trail. He recruits new members, changes hotels frequently and does not stay in one place for long,” the commander said.
He added that the breakthrough came on June 2, 2026, when the prime suspect was arrested following sustained surveillance operations.
The police also disclosed that some members of the gang had earlier been arrested, while the group leader allegedly continued recruiting new members to sustain operations.
One of the suspects, identified as David Francis, reportedly confessed to joining the syndicate in March 2026, saying he participated in operations and assisted in withdrawing stolen funds.
Francis said he was introduced into the gang by an older associate and was instructed on how to assist during robberies and financial withdrawals after victims were attacked.
The police said the syndicate mainly targeted female commuters, usually operating between 4pm and late evening hours along central Abuja routes.
Following the arrest, the Force described the development as a major victory against violent street crime in the FCT, noting that the operation would restore public confidence and safety.
“The takedown of this One Chance syndicate is a clear signal that no criminal network, however organised, is beyond the reach of the law,” the statement said.
The Inspector General of Police also reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to dismantling criminal groups targeting ordinary Nigerians.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid boarding vehicles with unknown passengers, use verified ride-hailing platforms, and share travel details with trusted contacts before commuting.
It also advised commuters to trust their instincts and report suspicious activity to the nearest police station, stressing that public information could help prevent future attacks