The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested six different syndicates involved in “one-chance” robbery operations in Abuja, as part of efforts to improve security during the Yuletide and beyond.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Miller Dantawaye, disclosed this on Wednesday during an interview on Arise Television, where he spoke about the security situation in the nation’s capital.
“One-chance” robbery is a common crime in Abuja and other major cities, where criminals disguise themselves as commercial vehicle operators or passengers. They pick unsuspecting victims, rob them of their belongings, and sometimes injure or abandon them in isolated places.
Dantawaye said the command has intensified patrols, training, and supervision of officers to ensure the safety of residents, especially during the festive season when movement and social activities increase.
“We have ensured that all hands are on deck to make sure that Abuja residents are secured during the Yuletide and beyond,” the police commissioner said.
According to him, senior police officers now go out regularly to supervise patrol teams and ensure that officers remain on duty through the night until at least 6 a.m.
He explained that this strategy has helped the command to arrest many “one-chance” suspects, either while committing the crime or shortly after.
“So for the FCT, before I came, there were issues of one-chance, robberies here and there, and maybe a few cases of kidnapping,” Dantawaye said. “But since we came, what we have done is to ensure that all hands are on deck.”
He said police patrols now cover key areas of Abuja, including major roads, residential districts, transport hubs, and places known for criminal activities.
“What we have done is to make sure that we go out to ensure that the men are actually on ground up till at least 6 a.m. That has really gone a long way in assisting us towards apprehending a lot of one-chance people, either in the act or after committing the act,” he added.
The police commissioner revealed that the six syndicates currently in custody were uncovered through careful investigation, starting with the arrest of individual suspects.
“As we speak, I want to assure you that we have at least six different syndicates of one-chance perpetrators that are in custody, and usually it starts from just one person,” he said.
Dantawaye explained that police investigations often begin with a single arrest and then expand to uncover the entire criminal network.
“The way we like to put it is that you start your investigation from known to unknown,” he said. “So usually it comes from just one or two persons that you have arrested, and then you continue to dig until the entire syndicate is rounded up.”
One-chance robbery has remained a serious concern for residents of Abuja for many years. Victims are often targeted while trying to get transportation, especially early in the morning or late at night. Criminals use private cars or buses that look like regular commercial vehicles to deceive passengers.
Once the victim enters the vehicle, they are robbed of phones, money, and other valuables. In some cases, victims are beaten, drugged, or thrown out of moving vehicles. There have also been reports of women being assaulted during such attacks.
Residents have repeatedly called on security agencies to address the menace, especially in areas such as Gwarimpa, Wuse, Maitama, Jabi, Kubwa, and parts of the satellite towns.
The FCT Police Command says it has made the fight against one-chance criminals a top priority, given the fear and hardship the crime causes residents.
The police commissioner said the command has increased patrols and visibility across the FCT as part of its Yuletide security plan. According to him, the goal is to prevent crimes before they happen and to respond quickly to any threat.
During festive periods, Abuja usually experiences increased traffic, nightlife, and social gatherings. This often creates opportunities for criminals if security is not properly managed.
Dantawaye said officers have been deployed to strategic locations, including shopping centres, markets, churches, entertainment spots, and major highways.
He also noted that continuous training is being given to officers to improve their response to crimes and their interaction with the public.
The police commissioner urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with the police by reporting suspicious activities. He said public support is crucial in fighting crimes like one-chance robbery..
The police have also advised residents to use known transport services, share travel details with family members, and trust their instincts if they feel unsafe.
Since taking over leadership of the FCT Police Command, Dantawaye has emphasized discipline, accountability, and supervision among officers. He said senior officers are now more involved in field operations, rather than staying only in offices.
The commissioner’s comments come amid broader national efforts to improve policing and reduce crime in major cities. The Nigeria Police Force has faced criticism over crime rates, response times, and public trust, but recent arrests and operations in Abuja suggest increased activity.
Some Abuja residents have welcomed the news of the arrests, saying it gives them some confidence in the police.
“It is good to hear that these one-chance gangs are being arrested,” said a civil servant in Wuse. “But we hope the police will sustain the effort and ensure these people are prosecuted.”
Others urged the police to increase public awareness campaigns and release regular updates on arrests and convictions.
Dantawaye assured residents that the police will not relax their efforts after the festive season. He said the fight against one-chance robbery and other crimes will continue throughout the year.
He added that the command will keep reviewing its strategies to ensure Abuja remains safe for residents, workers, and visitors.
With six syndicates already in custody, the FCT Police Command says it is determined to dismantle remaining criminal networks and restore public confidence in security across the capital.