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A public exchange has emerged between the Nigerian Police Force and former Big Brother Naija housemate Leo Da Silva over the most effective way to combat the menace of “one chance” operators, a term commonly used to describe criminals who pose as commercial drivers or passengers to rob unsuspecting commuters.
The debate began after Leo Da Silva took to X (formerly Twitter) to express anger over the persistence of the crime, particularly in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. In his post, the reality TV star criticised the frequent use of roadside checkpoints, questioning their relevance in addressing crimes that often occur at bus stops and transit points.
“Nothing pisses me off than ‘one chance’. It’s like mini kidnapping, mini banditry. Instead of police mounting useless checkpoints to greet us, why not go to bus stops and investigate these one-chance operators and grab all of them??” he wrote.
His comment quickly gained traction online, drawing reactions from commuters who have either experienced or fear falling victim to such schemes. Many echoed his frustration, describing “one chance” crimes as traumatic experiences that often go unreported due to fear or lack of trust in the system.
The post, however, also caught the attention of the Nigerian Police Force. Responding on behalf of the institution, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, pushed back against the suggestion, warning that heavy police presence at bus stops could create new problems for innocent citizens.
“I am sure you would come back to complain of police harassment, profiling and unnecessary delays at the bus stops. There are smarter ways. Let us start by making moves for 24/7 CCTV coverage of all bus stops. Just in case you’d ask, it isn’t for us to install, but it’ll help us a great deal,” Hundeyin wrote.
The police spokesperson’s response introduced a technology-driven approach, suggesting that surveillance infrastructure would be more effective in monitoring criminal activity without subjecting commuters to constant physical checks or harassment.
Leo Da Silva later replied, clarifying that his criticism was not aimed at encouraging harassment but at urging a more strategic use of police manpower. He insisted that his concern reflected the frustrations of everyday Nigerians who feel unsafe using public transportation.
“I don’t know what your first sentence means, even if that doesn’t affect me, it’s a valid complaint. Instead of deploying unnecessary checkpoints, why not suggest to the force that one chance operators must be caught. Use that manpower to sort that. Abuja and Lagos, especially,” he said.
His response reignited discussions online, with users debating whether traditional policing methods still serve their purpose in modern urban environments. Some supported the police’s call for surveillance systems, arguing that technology could help track criminals more efficiently. Others sided with Da Silva, saying visible policing at known hotspots could act as a deterrent if done professionally.
“One chance” crimes have remained a recurring security concern in Nigeria’s urban centres, with victims often reporting robbery, assault, and in some cases abduction. The criminals typically operate by luring passengers into vehicles under the guise of commercial transport before attacking them.
While the police have previously announced arrests and awareness campaigns, many Nigerians believe enforcement efforts remain insufficient given the frequency of reported incidents.
The exchange between Leo Da Silva and the police has since broadened into a larger conversation about public safety, police accountability, and the need for modern crime-fighting strategies. As the debate continues, citizens are calling for solutions that not only tackle crime effectively but also protect the rights and dignity of law-abiding commuters.
For now, the clash of perspectives highlights a shared concern on both sides: the urgent need to end the threat posed by “one chance” operators across Nigeria’s cities.
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