Two suspected members of a notorious “One Chance” robbery syndicate have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command following a stop-and-search operation along Iyana Ipaja Road in Lagos.

Police said the suspects were linked to a gang accused of targeting unsuspecting commuters and stealing valuables, particularly mobile phones, across parts of the state including Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda and Dopemu.

Authorities also recovered a tricycle allegedly used in carrying out the robberies, alongside phones believed to belong to victims.

How the suspects were arrested

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, officers intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants during a routine operation along Iyana Ipaja Road.

During the search, police reportedly found three Android phones suspected to have been stolen from commuters.

Officers said the tricycle rider fled the scene during the operation, abandoning the passengers behind.

One suspect, identified as Ademola Ibrahim, was immediately arrested.

Police said the suspect later confessed during interrogation to being part of a “One Chance” robbery syndicate operating in several densely populated areas of Lagos.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the fleeing rider, identified as 26-year-old Raheem Lawal.

The operational tricycle, bearing registration number SMK 309 QP, was also recovered.

Victims identify suspects and recovered phones

The police said two victims who had earlier reported robbery incidents along the same axis positively identified the suspects.

According to the command, the victims also identified some of the recovered phones as their stolen property.

Investigators said efforts were ongoing to track down other alleged members of the syndicate.

Why ‘One Chance’ robberies remain a major concern

“One Chance” robberies remain one of the most common street crimes affecting commuters in major Nigerian cities, particularly Lagos and Abuja.

The criminals often pose as commercial transport operators or passengers before robbing victims of phones, cash and other valuables during transit.

Security experts say the crimes thrive in congested transport corridors and during periods of heavy traffic, where unsuspecting commuters are vulnerable.

Residents in areas such as Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda and Dopemu have repeatedly raised concerns about rising insecurity linked to criminal gangs operating through informal transport systems.

Police reassure residents

The Nigeria Police Force said the Lagos command would continue intelligence-led policing and proactive operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling robbery and violent crimes.

“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to eradicating robbery and other violent crimes,” the statement said.

Police also urged residents to remain calm during stop-and-search operations and continue providing timely information through emergency lines.

Public safety concerns and commuter reactions

Frequent reports of “One Chance” attacks have heightened fears among Lagos commuters, especially those using tricycles and commercial buses late at night or during off-peak hours.

Transport safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring of commercial transport operators and improved street surveillance across major transit routes.

Analysts say sustained police visibility and faster emergency response systems could help reduce such attacks.

What happens next?

Police said investigations were ongoing and more arrests could follow as authorities attempt to dismantle the wider robbery network.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded.

The Oyo State Police Command says it has arrested eight suspected members of a motorcycle theft syndicate and recovered four allegedly stolen motorcycles in Kishi, Oyo State.

Police said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by officers attached to the Kishi Division on Thursday night.

According to the command, operatives acted on reports that several individuals were in possession of motorcycles suspected to have been stolen within the town.

Police operation leads to arrests

In a statement issued on Saturday, police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka said officers moved into action at about 8:30pm on 8 May after receiving credible intelligence.

The suspects were identified as Akeem Kehinde, 20; Rasaq Muhideen, 35; Jimoh Musakiru, 28; Ganiyu Saheed, 30; Iliasu Abdullahi, 25; Owonikoko Nurudeen, 27; Mukaila Ibrahim, 26; and Badmos Awwal, 26.

Police said the suspects were found with four Bajaj motorcycles believed to have been stolen.

“The prompt operational response led to the arrest of eight suspects… who were found in suspicious possession of the said motorcycles,” the statement said.

Authorities added that preliminary investigations strengthened suspicions that the motorcycles had been stolen.

Suspects allegedly confessed

The police said the suspects confessed during interrogation and admitted to different roles in the alleged theft operations.

Investigators are now working to trace the rightful owners of the recovered motorcycles and determine whether the suspects are linked to a wider criminal network operating in the area.

“Further investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the rightful owners of the recovered exhibits as well as uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s network and possible collaborators,” the statement added.

Under Nigerian law, suspects remain innocent until proven guilty in court.

Why motorcycle theft matters in Oyo

Motorcycles remain a major means of transportation and commercial activity in many parts of Oyo State, especially in semi-urban and rural communities such as Kishi.

The rise in motorcycle theft has become a growing concern for riders, transport operators and residents, many of whom depend on motorcycles for daily income and mobility.

Security analysts say intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies has become increasingly important in tackling organised theft and related crimes.

Local residents in several communities across Oyo have previously called for stronger surveillance and improved policing to curb the activities of criminal gangs targeting commercial motorcycles.

Commissioner praises officers

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, commended the officers involved in the operation.

He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for supporting efforts aimed at strengthening public safety.

“The Commissioner equally expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police… for his continuous support, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment towards strengthening effective policing and public safety across the country,” the statement said.

The command urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent crimes.

Emergency contacts

The police asked residents to report emergencies through the following lines:

Oyo State Call Response Centre (Toll-Free): 615

Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

The Nigeria Police Force says it has dismantled what it described as an IPOB/ESN terrorist enclave in Imo State, recovering heavy weapons, surveillance drones and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.

Police said the raid took place on 23 April 2026 in Nguru, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State as part of ongoing security operations targeting violent extremist groups and organised criminal networks across Nigeria.

According to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the operation followed information allegedly obtained from the confession of a senior commander linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

The suspect was identified as Ebube Uchenna Mmaduakolam, also known as “Ebube Virus”.

Weapons, Drones and Biafra Currency Recovered

Police said officers arrested three suspects during the operation, adding that they are currently in custody and assisting investigators with information about the group’s logistics and planned operations.

Items reportedly recovered from the location included:

Two General-Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs)

3,115 rounds of GPMG ammunition

One AK-47 rifle

One pump-action shotgun

Multiple surveillance drones

Biafra currency in various denominations

Security analysts say the recovery of drones highlights the increasing use of surveillance technology by non-state armed groups in Nigeria’s conflict zones.

The South-East region has witnessed repeated attacks on security formations, government facilities and civilians in recent years, with authorities frequently blaming armed separatist groups.

IPOB has consistently denied involvement in violent attacks attributed to the ESN and other armed actors in the region.

Why This Matters

The operation comes amid intensified efforts by Nigerian security agencies to contain insecurity in the South-East, where clashes involving security forces and separatist groups have disrupted economic activities and raised fears among residents.

Analysts say the seizure of heavy weapons and ammunition could temporarily weaken armed cells operating in parts of Imo State and neighbouring areas.

Residents and business owners in affected communities have repeatedly complained about rising insecurity, sit-at-home disruptions and declining commercial activity linked to violence in the region.

The recovery of surveillance drones also raises fresh concerns about the sophistication of armed groups operating in Nigeria.

Police Commend Officers

In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Inspector-General of Police praised officers involved in the operation.

“The recovery of this substantial arsenal significantly degrades the operational capacity of the IPOB/ESN extremist network in the South-East region, and represents a decisive blow against their campaign of terror.”

Police also reaffirmed their commitment to “uphold the rule of law” and protect citizens across the country.

Security Experts React

Security observers say intelligence-led operations have become increasingly important in counterinsurgency and anti-crime campaigns across Nigeria.

Some analysts, however, argue that long-term stability in the South-East will also require political dialogue, economic development and improved trust between communities and security agencies.

Human rights groups have previously called for transparency and accountability during security operations in the region, especially in cases involving arrests and detention of suspects.

What’s Next?

Police say investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as authorities track the alleged logistics and support networks connected to the group.

Security operations are also expected to continue across parts of the South-East as authorities intensify efforts to curb armed violence and attacks on public institutions.