Abuja The capital city, once considered a haven of safety, is now a hotbed for criminal activities, especially the dreaded “one-chance” robberies that have left many residents traumatized and millions of naira lost in recent weeks.
A Morning Journey Turns to Nightmare
On a quiet Saturday morning, Malam Jamilu Adamu, a 57-year-old trader from Kwaita village in Kwali Area Council, set out to Suleja to buy provisions for his shop. He boarded a car by the roadside at Kwaita around 6:00 am, thinking it was just another routine trip.
“I never thought it would happen to me,” Adamu recounted, his voice filled with pain. “I sat in front with the driver, while two other passengers—a man and a woman—sat at the back. Everything seemed normal.”
But after passing Priri village near Yangoji-iri, the driver stopped, claiming his car was making a strange sound. “I stepped out to urinate. When I came back and was about to enter, the driver suddenly pushed me out and sped off with my bag containing N723,000 cash,” Adamu said.
Left with bruises on his knees and hands, Adamu watched helplessly as the car disappeared. His story is just one of many that have become all too common in Abuja.
Just days before Adamu’s ordeal, another trader, Rabiu Ado from Gada-Biyu village, suffered a similar fate. Ado was on his way to Gwagwalada market when he boarded a car that turned out to be a “one-chance” gang.
“They forced me to transfer N1,250,000 to them through my phone,” Ado told our reporter. “Then, while the car was still moving, they pushed me out between Pai junction and Dabi village.”
These stories are not isolated. Over 100 cases of “one-chance” robberies have been recorded in Abuja since 2015, with hundreds of residents suffering injuries and several fatalities reported.
The actual number is believed to be much higher, as many victims do not report their experiences out of fear or shame.
“One-chance” is a local term for a type of robbery where criminals pose as commercial drivers or fellow passengers, lure unsuspecting victims into their vehicles, rob them, and then abandon them—sometimes violently—along the road.
These gangs are often armed with knives, guns, and even point-of-sale (POS) machines to force victims to transfer money instantly.
Victims Share Their Pain
“I lost all the money I was going to use to restock my shop. Now, I don’t know how I will recover,” said Adamu, still shaken by the experience.
“They took everything I had. I feel helpless and afraid to travel again,” Ado added.
Other victims have shared harrowing accounts of being robbed, threatened, and even kidnapped for hours before being abandoned. The psychological and physical scars left behind are long-lasting.
Police Response and Public Safety
The FCT Police Command has repeatedly vowed to tackle the menace, deploying more patrols, initiating operations, and launching public awareness campaigns.
“All hands are on deck to halt this development,” said DSP Josephine Adeh, FCT Police Public Relations Officer. “We urge the public to be security conscious and use only authorised motor parks.”
Despite these efforts, the criminals continue to operate with impunity, often targeting vulnerable and unsuspecting commuters.
“The police rely on information from the public to strengthen security measures and ensure residents can carry out their daily activities without fear,” Adeh added.
The Bigger Picture: Insecurity in Abuja
Abuja’s insecurity is not limited to “one-chance” robberies. The city has seen a sharp rise in kidnappings, armed robberies, and home invasions, forcing many residents to alter their routines and invest heavily in personal security.
“The menace of one-chance operators in the capital territory makes moving around in bikes or cabs something to pray over,” said a local resident.
Businesses are also feeling the impact, with some reports indicating a 33% decline in revenue due to escalating criminal activities. The psychological toll on families is immense, leading to increased migration and a brain drain from the city.
How to Stay Safe
Experts and the police offer the following tips to avoid falling victim to “one-chance” robbers:
Only board vehicles at official parks or from trusted sources.
Avoid boarding cars with tinted windows or suspicious-looking passengers.
Keep valuables hidden and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Avoid night movements if possible; if you must travel at night, use trusted private transport or share your trip with someone you trust.
Quote of the Day
“One-chance is real. Don’t let it be your story. Every journey in Abuja now requires extra caution and prayer.”
— A survivor of “one-chance” robbery in Abuja
The stories of Adamu and Ado are a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on Abuja’s roads. As the authorities work to curb this menace, every commuter must remain vigilant and take extra precautions to stay safe. The fight against “one-chance” is far from over, but with increased awareness and cooperation with law enforcement, residents can hope for a safer Abuja.
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