June 16, (THEWILL) — The Federal Road Safety Corps has recorded another major operational success after its patrol team arrested suspected members of a notorious “one chance” robbery syndicate and recovered a stolen mobile phone during a security intervention in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Monday, along the Babalegba–Eleyele–Ojoo corridor when an FRSC patrol team on routine surveillance observed a motorcycle rider frantically chasing a Nissan Micra commercial vehicle bearing registration number AJW 903XE.
According to the Corps, the developing situation immediately drew the attention of operatives after a female passenger inside the vehicle raised an alarm, claiming her mobile phone had been stolen while she was onboard the vehicle.
Acting swiftly, the patrol team intercepted the vehicle and began preliminary interrogation of its occupants. During questioning, the driver, identified as Idowu Mukaila, reportedly told officers he could facilitate the recovery of the missing phone.
Moments later, another suspect arrived at the scene and produced the stolen mobile device, further strengthening suspicions that the incident was linked to an organised criminal syndicate involved in phone theft and the increasingly rampant “one chance” operations targeting unsuspecting commuters within the Ibadan metropolis.
The matter was immediately escalated to the command headquarters, where the suspects were taken into custody for further interrogation.
Investigations later revealed that officials of the Park Management System (PMS) and the Oyo State Drivers’ Union had already placed both the vehicle and its driver under surveillance following multiple complaints from residents linking them to repeated cases of phone theft and “one chance” criminal activities across parts of the city.
Following further questioning conducted by the Sector Commander alongside the Deputy Corps Commander Operations, the suspects and recovered exhibit were handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Eleyele Division, for comprehensive investigation and possible prosecution.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC said the successful operation underscores the critical role of its patrol teams in strengthening road safety enforcement while simultaneously supporting broader national security efforts through vigilance and rapid response operations.
The corps noted that the incident demonstrates the growing importance of collaboration among security agencies and transport stakeholders in combating criminal activities on Nigerian roads.
The FRSC further urged members of the public to remain alert during travel, promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities, and continue working with law enforcement agencies to make roads safer and more secure for all Nigerians.
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