Yuletide: Enugu Police Warn Against Boarding Roadside Vehicles

The Enugu State Police Command has warned residents against boarding vehicles along roadsides to avoid falling prey to the antics of ‘once-chance’ operators.

The command issued the warning in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Wednesday, ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He urged the residents not to embark on any journey without first assessing the safety of both the routes and the destinations.

According to him, “When using public transportation, travel only in reputable transport companies operating from recognized motor parks. Do not board roadside vehicles or unregistered transport services to avoid ‘one-chance’ and similar crimes.

“Travellers should also provide correct information on travel manifests to help emergency responders when the need arises. You should also avoid posting your travel plans, locations, or itineraries on social media. Share such details only with trusted loved ones.”

He also advised vehicle owners to “ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition, stick to speed limits, as well as minimize or avoid night journeys”. He further warned against drinking alcohol while driving and other distracting tendencies.

He advised those travelling to or through Enugu State to call the command’s emergency numbers: 08032003702 or 08086671202 when under security threat.

Meanwhile, operatives of the state Police Command attached to the New Haven Division and the Distress Response Squad (DRS), on 6th December 2025 at arrested one Orlu Chukwuemeka (male, 25) over an alleged ‘one-chance’.

According to the PPRO, “Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, disguised as commercial operators of an unregistered white mini bus and abducted their female passenger in a one-chance-styled operation at Fourth Dimension, along Chime Avenue, Enugu.”

He stated that during the incident, the suspects “stabbed the victim, pushed her out of the moving vehicle along the same Chime Avenue, and escaped, after robbing her of an Android phone and ATM card”. He said police operatives trailed and intercepted them within Independence Layout, Enugu, leading to the arrest of Orlu, while the other suspect fled.

It was gathered that the victim was promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention, where she regained stability and was able to identify the arrested suspect as part of the criminal gang.

The suspect was subsequently arraigned in court and remanded in custody, Ndukwe said, adding that intensive efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplice and ensure every person involved is brought to justice.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, has reiterated the command’s unwavering resolve to combating violent crimes across Enugu State this festive season and beyond, and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely security information to security agencies for prompt response.