FCT police arrest 8 suspects, recover 7 vehicles, POS machines in one week

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has reported significant progress in its anti-one-chance operation, with the arrest of eight suspected one-chance robbers and the recovery of seven vehicles used for their criminal activities over the past week.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja. He also revealed that the police impounded over 800 vehicles with non-factory-fitted tinted glasses, compelling their owners to remove the tints.

While parading the suspects, Disu stated that the police recovered three Point of Sale (POS) machines, five laptops, three phones, 203 dollars, 109 phone memory cards, a pair of pliers, and a blindfold used by the suspects to cover the eyes of their victims.

The commissioner emphasised that the arrests and recoveries align with the command’s commitment to eradicating one-chance robbery in the FCT, particularly as the Yuletide season approaches. He attributed the breakthroughs to robust intelligence gathering, surveillance, and targeted interventions.

Disu highlighted a key trend observed during the operation: most of the vehicles used by the criminals had tinted glasses, which made it easier for them to avoid detection by security agents and the public.

Speaking on the issue, Disu said, “This has made it easier for the criminals to conceal their activities and avoid detection. The command has dismantled key syndicates, apprehended suspects, and recovered crucial exhibits.”

Providing details of the arrests, the commissioner revealed that three suspects linked to a syndicate operating from the Mararaba area of Nasarawa State were among those apprehended by the command within the week.

He explained that the three suspects confessed to being members of the syndicate, with each playing a specific role in their operations. One suspect acted as a fake passenger to lure unsuspecting victims, another identified potential targets at crowded bus stops and marketplaces, and the third targeted commuters during rush hours.

The commissioner disclosed that a Golf 3 car with registration number TRN 647 AA and a Peugeot 406 with registration number ABJ 145 LQ were recovered from the suspects.

According to Disu, the arrests represent a significant stride in the command’s fight against organised crime. He added that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing leader of the gang.