The FCT Police Command made a public display on Friday, presenting a notorious ‘one chance’ gang comprising seven individuals allegedly responsible for instilling fear in the residents of the nation’s capital.

Among those arrested are Rita Geoffrey, Musa Bashiru, Ruth Friday, Isa Paul Abdulateef, Murtala Olawale, and Loveth Amos.

CP Haruna Garba, in a media briefing, stated that Rita Geoffrey confessed to her involvement in multiple ‘one chance’ activities within the FCT over the past three years. The group is also suspected of being connected to the tragic killing of a woman.

After their confession, the police arrested Mohammed Aliyu Lawal, a Point of Sale (POS) operator reportedly utilized by the syndicate to withdraw money using victims’ ATM cards.

Garba confirmed that following extensive investigations, the suspects would be charged in court to face the appropriate legal consequences.

The CP said: “Between 1st of December till date, the anti-one chance clearance squad of the Command while clamping down on one chance elements impounded seventeen (17) vehicles without number plates and with tinted glasses.

“The operators of these vehicles are currently being interrogated to determine their culpability in the one-chance activities, those found culpable at the end of the investigation will be charged to court.” he added

Garba detailed recent police interventions in curbing criminal activities, citing actions taken between November 28 and December 29. During this period, the command apprehended 11 individuals linked to ‘one chance’ crimes, seven kidnappers, and their associates.

The police successfully recovered three vehicles, five firearms, and 30 rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, 43 suspects were publicly paraded, while one kidnapper lost his life during these operations.

He further highlighted the command’s activities from December 1 to the current date, which led to the arrest of nine ‘one chance’ suspects, 12 individuals involved in armed robbery, and two rape suspects.

Five stolen vehicles, five firearms, and 12 rounds of ammunition were recovered. In total, 23 suspects were presented to the public during this time frame.

“On 03/12/2023 at about 2345hrs, police operatives from Dops State Headquarters on pin-down and stop and search at Power House roundabout Asokoro arrested three suspects namely; Abubakar Aliyu 19 yrs, Bashir Musa 19yrs and Abba Jafaru 20 yrs all males of Uke Village, Nasarawa state.

“During the search, a Baretta pistol was recovered from them. During interrogation, suspects confessed to have burgled so many houses. Suspects will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation”.

He went further that: “On 15/12/2023 at about 1800hrs, acting on credible intelligence, that one chance syndicate were all out and planning on how to carry out their criminal activities.

“Police operatives from Galadima Division swooped on them and arrested two (2) suspected one chance operators namely Humphrey Peter and Patrick Onomuoder, while three others escaped.

“During interrogation, suspects freely confessed to being part of the criminal elements that terrorize the Life-Camp, Karmo, and Gwarimpa axis.

“Their operational vehicle, a Toyota Carina E without a registration number was recovered from them. Suspects are cooperating with the police to arrest other members of their gang on the run”.

Garba reported that police officers from the Wuse division, engaged in a Pin-down/Stop and Search operation along Herbert Macauley way, intercepted a Nissan Altima Saloon car bearing Registration No. BWR 488 SV, driven by Najibu Abdullahi ‘M’.

During the routine search, CP Garba disclosed that they found five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a military jungle hat, Naval insignia, and buttons in his possession. Consequently, Abdullahi was swiftly apprehended and is presently detained for thorough interrogation.

He said “Going by the above analysis, you will agree with me that the crime rate in the Federal Capital Territory has dropped immensely.

“I wish to bring to the attention of the general public that, there are some mischief-makers out there posting items on social media that the FCT is not safe, that one-chance operators have taken over the FCT.

“This is not true. I can say without any fear of contradiction that FCT is the safest city in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are coming in droves to FCT to reside and do businesses due to prevailing peace and security in the city.” he added

The police chief affirmed that Christmas unfolded without any significant security breaches. Garba noted that crucial locations such as the Millennium Park, Magic Land (Amusement Park), various recreational centers, places of worship, and other vulnerable points received sufficient security measures.

Confirming the absence of any reported incidents during the period, Garba assured the public that the security strategies implemented during Christmas would be replicated and reinforced for the upcoming New Year festival.