From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
As Abuja gears up for the festive season, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Taskforce has kicked off proactive measures to ensure public safety and combat criminal activities.
The Security Service Department commenced special operations aimed at addressing the prevalent issue of ‘one chance’ syndicates, illegal motor parks, and street begging.
The operations, conducted late Wednesday, resulted in the impounding of multiple vehicles and the arrest of several suspects.
The raids focused on high-traffic locations known for their association with criminal activities, including Area 1, Apo Bridge to Apo Roundabout, Berger Roundabout, and the bustling Banex Junction. These areas have been identified as hotspots for ‘one chance’ operators—criminals who pose as commercial drivers to rob unsuspecting passengers.
Addressing journalists following the operation, Director of the Security Services Department at the FCT Administration, Adamu Gwary, explained that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain safety in Abuja during and after the festive period. “We started this operation on Monday and will sustain it throughout the festive season until January next year,” Gwary stated.
He added that the goal is to prevent criminal elements from exploiting any gaps in security.
Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Peter Olumuji, reiterated that the operation is designed to support ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police and other security agencies. “The issue of ‘one chance’ has been a significant concern in the FCT. This operation aims to rid the city of criminals posing as commercial drivers,” he said.
During Wednesday’s operation alone, several suspects were apprehended, including four beggars suspected of engaging in criminal activities. The FCTA also reported that more than 30 vehicles linked to ‘one chance’ operations were impounded on Tuesday, with a similar number taken off the streets on Wednesday.
Gwary highlighted that one individual was arrested for impersonating a police officer while carrying a locally fabricated knife. This suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.
In light of these operations, Gwary urged residents to exercise caution when boarding vehicles, particularly at night. “If you remember nothing else, try to note the colour and make of the vehicle, and if possible, get the plate number,” he advised. He encouraged commuters to share these details with someone before entering any vehicle to facilitate quick action in case of an emergency.
Head of Operations at the FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Deborah Osho, explained that these operations are conducted primarily in the evening when ‘one chance’ syndicates are most active. “People returning from work are often tired and hurriedly take any available vehicle,” she noted. The goal is not only to apprehend offenders but also to disrupt their operations significantly.
Social Development Secretariat representative Mustapha Yunusa described the operation enforcing a ban on street begging as a “huge success.” He reported a dramatic decrease in beggars around prominent locations like the National Mosque—from over 100 to just four due to recent enforcement actions.
Yunusa indicated that those apprehended would either be rehabilitated with self-sustaining skills or repatriated to reunite with their families.