The Nigeria Police Force has released a documentary about an 18-month investigation into a dangerous "one chance" gang arrested for robbing, kidnapping, and extorting many commuters in Abuja.
"One chance" is a robbery method where unsuspecting passengers enter a local taxi, thinking it is safe, only to be robbed by the driver and some passengers.
The documentary, presented by Force New Media, a new public relations team led by police spokesperson Aliyu Giwa, a chief superintendent of police, shows the investigation details.
It highlights the work of the Force Intelligence Department Special Tactical Squad (FIDSTS). This squad arrested a gang led by Solomon Abok, the alleged leader. The documentary reveals how the gang targeted innocent passengers.
Victor Godfrey, the squad commander, is featured in the documentary. He accused the suspects of "armed robbery and kidnapping."
According to the police, about 45 victims reported being robbed by this gang since 2025. The investigation also found connections to several serious cases, including the deaths of two nurses in separate incidents in January and February 2026.
Mr. Godfrey, an assistant commissioner of police (ACP), mentioned that his team began tracking the suspects on January 31, 2025, after they "abducted" a woman and extorted N11 million from her.
"We have been on their trail," he said, noting that the gang leader, Mr. Abok, frequently changed "hotels and homes."
The big break came on June 2 when the police arrested him after "sustained operations," Mr. Godfrey added.
Victims spoke about their traumatic experiences in the documentary. One woman, shown from behind for safety reasons, said she and a friend got into a vehicle at Area 8 in Abuja after work, only to realize it was a trap.
She said the gang members tied their hands, blindfolded them, and assaulted them. They stole their phones and other valuables, using them to take loans and transfer money from their accounts.
"They collected my iPhone 11 Pro, my other (three) phones, my friend’s laptop, and two phones. They used our phones to borrow money from loan apps, extorted money from our bank accounts, and beat us mercilessly," she said.
The woman mentioned that one member of the gang looked like a soldier, but the police did not confirm this.
After their arrests, the gang leader and David Francis, one of his team members, explained their method. Mr. Francis, a 22-year-old from Cross River State, said he joined the gang while looking for work.
He said he had participated in four operations, where his main job was to withdraw money from victims’ accounts using Point of Sale (POS) operators. He was arrested in the Central Area while trying to withdraw N1.449 million.
Mr. Godfrey said the syndicate had caused significant suffering for Abuja residents. He noted their arrest was a relief for both the police and the victims.
The police are still working to catch other gang members. They are committed to protecting lives and property.
The police also shared safety tips with the public. They urged residents to stay alert, avoid suspicious vehicles, use trusted ride-hailing services, share trip details with friends, and report any strange activities to the police.
"The takedown of this one chance syndicate shows our commitment in action and sends a clear message that no gang, no matter how organized, is beyond the law," the police stated.
One-chance robbery happens often in Abuja, as police data shows. In 2024, the police recorded 263 one-chance robbery cases in the FCT, leading to over 70 arrests.
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