Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested a suspect linked to an online luring and ransom collection scheme.
The operation, carried out on April 11, 2026, by officers attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), led to the safe recovery of a male victim who had been abducted after being deceived online. The kidnappers had demanded and collected a ransom of ₦500,000 before the intervention.
During the rescue, police arrested 27-year-old Aniagboso Ugochukwu, identified as a member of the criminal syndicate. Investigations revealed that the same group had earlier, on April 1, 2026, kidnapped another male victim and extorted ₦100,000 before releasing him.
Authorities disclosed that the syndicate operates by advertising fake job vacancies on social media platforms. Victims who show interest are directed to meet at Eke Obinagu, Emene, Enugu, before being taken to a hideout in Akpuoga Nike. There, they are held captive and threatened with crude weapons such as iron rods and wooden planks while ransom is demanded from their families.
The arrested suspect has confessed to the crime and is assisting police in tracking down his fleeing accomplices, recovering ransom payments, and dismantling the network.
Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, mspsp, urged the public to exercise caution when responding to online job offers and to verify their authenticity. He further encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, and 09134448093.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the development in a statement issued from the State Headquarters, GRA, Enugu, on April 27, 2026.
