FCTA Seizes 40 Vehicles, 52 Motorcycles in Crackdown on ‘One Chance’ Robberies and Illegal Transport in Abuja
FCTA Seizes 40 Vehicles, 52 Motorcycles in Crackdown on ‘One Chance’ Robberies and Illegal Transport in Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has escalated efforts to rid Abuja of illegal transport operations and curb rising criminal activities, particularly the infamous “one chance” robberies. In a major operation, the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), in collaboration with security agencies, has impounded 40 vehicles and 52 motorcycles suspected of being involved in traffic violations and criminal acts.
This latest enforcement move is part of a broader strategy by the FCTA to sanitize the capital city’s transport system and ensure the safety of residents, especially commuters who have fallen victim to the “one chance” syndicates—criminals who pose as commercial drivers only to rob passengers once inside the vehicle.
Speaking on the development, the Director of DRTS, Dr. Abdulateef Bello, stated that the seizures were made across various hotspots in the city known for illegal transport operations. He emphasized that many of the impounded vehicles were either operating without proper registration or had been modified to aid criminal activities.
Residents have long expressed concern over the increasing danger posed by these criminal transport operators. Victims of “one chance” incidents have often recounted harrowing experiences involving theft, physical assault, and in some cases, kidnapping.
The FCTA has also warned commercial motorcyclists (okada riders), many of whom were part of the recent seizure, to desist from operating in restricted areas, especially within the Abuja city center. Officials noted that most motorcycles impounded were found violating traffic regulations and operating in banned zones.
Authorities are urging the public to use only recognized and regulated transportation services. The FCTA also announced that further enforcement operations will continue unabated until sanity is restored across the territory’s transport sector.
The seized vehicles and motorcycles are currently being held at designated impound lots, and legal proceedings are expected to follow where necessary.
