The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Miller Dantawaye, has issued a stern warning to residents, particularly women, to avoid accepting free rides from strangers.
The move is part of intensified efforts to combat the resurgence of “one chance” criminal syndicates in Abuja.
CP Dantawaye delivered the advisory on Friday during a courtesy and advocacy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), including representatives from the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), NBA Women Forum, and Unity Bar, at the FCT Police Command headquarters.
In a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the CP emphasized the need for heightened security consciousness, especially when using commercial vehicles.
“The CP further called on residents of the FCT to remain security-conscious and vigilant, particularly when boarding commercial vehicles. He advised members of the public, especially ladies, to be cautious of the vehicles they board and to refrain from accepting free rides from strangers,” the statement read.
He stressed collective responsibility, urging timely information sharing and public cooperation to dismantle “one chance” operations, where criminals pose as commercial drivers to rob, abduct, or harm passengers before dumping them.
The warning comes amid growing outrage over recent killings linked to such syndicates.
The delegation commiserated with the command over the murder of their colleague, Ms. Princess Chigbo Mediatrix (also referred to as Princess Ochigbo), a former Treasurer of the NBA Abuja Branch and possible FCT High Court staff member.
Her body was discovered on the Kubwa Expressway on Tuesday, with her bag containing personal belongings recovered nearby, a pattern consistent with “one chance” attacks.
CP Dantawaye assured the group that discreet and extensive investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, with a firm commitment to justice.
The incident follows closely the killing of nurse Chinemerem Pascalina Chuwumeziem from the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, who disappeared after completing her afternoon shift on January 3 and was later found dead by the roadside.
Her death sparked condemnation from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), FCT Council, highlighting risks faced by healthcare workers commuting in the capital.
These recent tragedies have fueled public fear over commuter safety in Abuja, prompting calls for stronger patrols, surveillance of transport corridors, and crackdowns on unregistered vehicles.
The FCT Police have previously arrested multiple “one chance” syndicates, but the latest incidents indicate a persistent threat.
Residents are urged to report suspicious activities and prioritize verified transport options to prevent falling victim to these deadly operations.
