Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu a Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command in a decisive move to rid the Abuja metropolis of the menace of “one-chance” robbery syndicates then recorded a string of successes in its latest operations.
Disu in a media briefing announced that tactical police teams, leveraging intelligence and surveillance, dismantled several high-profile syndicates and arrested key members terrorizing commuters in the territory. These operations are part of heightened security measures during the festive season, a period typically marked by a surge in criminal activities.
The records are elaborated below, Cracking Down on Organized Syndicate
In the first major operation, three members of a notorious “one-chance” network operating from Mararaba in Nasarawa State were apprehended. CP Disu revealed that the suspects—Abba Godwin (42), Abraham Anthony (27), and Moses Obi—targeted commuters in densely populated areas, including Nyanya Market, Kubwa Express, and Area 1. Abba Godwin, acting as a fake passenger, confessed to earning up to ₦40,000 daily from the gang’s operations. Abraham Anthony admitted to joining the syndicate in August 2024, focusing on early morning rush-hour commuters. Moses Obi, a long-term member since June 2024, disclosed details of their modus operandi, including the recruitment of accomplices such as their primary driver, “Dangote.” Two operational vehicles—a Green Golf 3 (TRN 647 AA) and a Peugeot 406 (ABJ 145 LQ)—were recovered during the arrests.
Further Arrests and Key Breakthroughs, in a subsequent operation, three additional suspects linked to another robbery syndicate were arrested. Identified as Moses Steven (23), Jude Simon, and Terfa Akaaer, the trio operated under the leadership of “Baba Peter,” a gang leader based in Plateau State.
Moses Steven confessed to targeting commuters during festive periods, traveling to Abuja for coordinated robberies. Jude Simon admitted to his role in early morning robberies targeting vulnerable passengers. Terfa Akaaer, a taxi driver, revealed the syndicate’s strategy of filling vehicles with accomplices while leaving one seat vacant to attract unsuspecting victims. Recovered from the suspects were additional operational vehicles, including a Green Golf 3 (TRN 647 AA) and an Ash Peugeot 406 (ABJ 145 LQ).
High-Profile Arrest of Hyacinth Avetse... in another breakthrough, police operatives arrested Hyacinth Avetse, a prominent member of a high-profile syndicate, at the Area 1 Roundabout. Avetse, who confessed to earning over ₦1.4 million since February 2023, provided crucial intelligence for ongoing investigations.
Recovered items during his arrest included: Two vehicles: a green Lexus sedan (no front registration number) and a blue Toyota Corolla (GWA 295 JS). Three POS machines, five laptops, three phones, 203 US dollars, 109 phone memory cards, and several personal items.
Exhibits and Overall Success Summarizing the week’s achievements, the Abuja Police boss confirmed the following:
1. 13 vehicles recovered.
2. 7 suspects apprehended.
3. 3 POS machines recovered.
4. 5 laptops and 3 phones confiscated.
5. 203 dollars and 109 phone memory cards seized.
6. Additional tools, including a blindfold and pliers, were recovered.
He then lay Safety Advisory for Residents by urging residents of Abuja to remain vigilant, particularly during the Yuletide season, and report suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. He emphasized that community intelligence plays a critical role in sustaining these gains and ensuring the safety of all commuters.
“This series of arrests and recoveries demonstrate our unwavering commitment to ensuring a safer FCT for all residents. The Command will continue to intensify its operations to dismantle criminal networks and protect citizens across the territory,” he stated.
Concluded by reassuring the public of its readiness to secure lives and property throughout the festive season and beyond.