The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismantled a notorious six-man armed robbery syndicate involved in “one-chance” operations, arrested five suspects, killed one during a gun duel, and rescue a victim in a coordinated operation.
The breakthrough came on the morning of Wednesday, August 6, when operatives of the Command’s specialised Anti-One Chance Unit, on routine patrol along the Kubwa Expressway, spotted a young woman being shoved out of a moving vehicle.
The victim, later identified as Angel Patrick, was promptly rescued by one team of officers and rushed to Zankwochi Hospital, Mabushi, for urgent medical attention.
Simultaneously, a second team of undercover officers engaged in a high-speed pursuit of the fleeing suspects, which ended in the Aso area of Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
According to Josephine Adeh, the Command spokesperson, the chase escalated into a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing the criminals to a halt.
Five suspects Jude Simon of Mararaba, Emmanuel Akor, Daniel Benson, Uche Thomas, and Tope Ola, all residents of Mpape were arrested at the scene.
“A sixth gang member was shot during the encounter and later pronounced dead at the Asokoro General Hospital”, it added.
Police identified another member of the syndicate, John Simon, as a repeat offender who had previously been arrested in December 2024 and remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre for the same offence.
Recovered items include the gang’s operational vehicle, a dark grey Toyota Corolla six ATM cards believed to belong to previous victims, a jackknife, ₦115,000 in cash, and several personal items suspected to have been stolen in earlier attacks.
The suspects, who reportedly confessed to years of involvement in “one-chance” robberies, had been on the FCT Command’s wanted list before their arrest.
FCT Commissioner of Police commended the officers for their professionalism and bravery, vowing to intensify efforts to rid the nation’s capital of criminal gangs.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and use only approved motor parks to avoid falling victim to such schemes.