In a series of recent operations, the police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have impounded 296 vehicles for violating traffic regulations, including the use of tinted glass and defaced number plates.
The police also thwarted five separate “one chance” robbery attacks, rescuing three victims.
These successful interventions were revealed on Tuesday by the FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, during a media briefing in Abuja.
According to Disu, the impounded vehicles were caught violating various traffic laws, including the illegal use of tinted glass, driving with only one plate number, and using concealed or defaced number plates.
“These actions are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that criminals do not exploit the roads and cause harm to innocent citizens,” said Disu.
In addition to the vehicle impoundments, the police commissioner emphasized the command’s growing success in tackling “one chance” robbery syndicates.
“Over the past few weeks, we have successfully foiled five ‘one chance’ robbery attacks,” Disu revealed.
The term “one chance” refers to a robbery method where criminals pose as commercial vehicle operators, abducting passengers and robbing them.
Disu’s remarks highlight the effectiveness of the command’s proactive policing strategies, which rely heavily on collaboration with the public to curb crime in the FCT.
“We cannot do this alone; public cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safety of all residents,” he added.
The FCT police have taken a hard stance against “one chance” robbers, with several arrests made in recent weeks.
On November 23, officers from the State Intelligence Department (SID) arrested a suspect involved in such robberies during a routine patrol along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.
The suspect was found with several suspicious items in his vehicle, including a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, a knife, scissors, two mobile phones, and a female luggage believed to be stolen.
“Upon questioning, the suspect could not provide any reasonable explanation for these items, which raised suspicion about his involvement in ‘one chance’ robbery attacks,” said Disu.
The arrested individual remains in police custody and will be charged in court once investigations are completed.
The police commissioner also discussed another arrest that occurred on November 28, where operatives from the Karimo Division acted on a distress call to foil a “one chance” robbery along Idu Industrial Area Road.
Disu explained that the quick response by police officers led to the rescue of a heavily pregnant woman who had been abducted by a gang of criminals posing as commercial vehicle operators.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had been abducted on her way home from the Federal Medical Center in Jabi,” said Disu.
He added that the gang members involved in the abduction are currently at large, and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
The recent arrests and successful foiling of robberies showcase the FCT Police Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities and enhancing security in the capital.
Disu called on residents to remain vigilant and continue working closely with the police to ensure the safety of the community.
“Our efforts are paying off, but we need everyone’s help. Together, we can make the FCT safer for everyone,” he stated.