By Barth Ikiebe
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects involved in a one-chance robbery and attempted kidnapping, rescuing two victims during an early morning operation in Abuja.
The suspects — identified as Solomon Tanko, Samuel Audu, Chigozie Joseph, and Emmanuel Chidiebere — were apprehended by operatives from the Life Camp Division on October 9, 2025, following a coordinated intelligence-led operation at Dape Village.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement that the arrest followed a distress call received on October 8, 2025, at about 10:09 p.m., from a female victim who reported that she had been abducted by suspected criminals demanding a ₦1 million ransom.
Police operatives immediately swung into action, deploying digital and tactical intelligence to track the suspects’ movements.
The operation led to a confrontation between the suspects and the police before they were eventually overpowered and arrested.
During the rescue, two victims were freed from the gang’s captivity. One of the victims, who sustained multiple stab wounds, was rushed to Gwarinpa General Hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Investigations revealed that the arrested suspects had been operating a one-chance syndicate, targeting unsuspecting passengers along the Bannex and Kado areas of Abuja.
The police disclosed that the gang used a vehicle with tinted windows to disguise as commercial operators, robbing and assaulting their victims once they boarded.
Before their arrest, the suspects had allegedly robbed at least six victims, both men and women, of personal belongings, cash, and important documents.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects included 15 international passports, two sharp daggers, two cutlasses, bloodstained documents, four mobile phones, two hammers, and three biros used during their operations.
Police sources said the gang’s modus operandi involved picking unsuspecting passengers at night, threatening them with weapons, and forcing them to part with valuables or disclose their bank information.
The FCT Commissioner of Police commended the quick response and professionalism of the Life Camp Divisional Police team, noting that their swift action prevented further harm to the victims.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to combating all forms of violent crime in the capital city and will continue to deploy intelligence and tactical resources to dismantle criminal networks.
The police spokesperson added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to identify other victims and accomplices linked to the gang.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant, avoid unmarked or tinted commercial vehicles, and promptly report suspicious movements to the police for immediate action.
The FCT Police Command also advised the public to reach out through its emergency lines — 08032003913, 08028940883, and CRU FCT: 08107314192 — for timely intervention in distress situations.
