Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped man who was allegedly lured through a fake online job offer, abducted, and forced to pay a ransom of ₦500,000.
The operation, carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), also led to the arrest of a 27-year-old suspect, Aniagboso Ugochukwu, identified as a member of a kidnapping syndicate.
Confirming the development, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the victim was rescued following sustained intelligence-driven operations.
“The operatives successfully rescued a male victim who was abducted after being lured online and forced to pay a ransom of five hundred thousand naira,” Ndukwe stated.
He disclosed that investigations revealed the same gang had previously carried out a similar operation.
“Preliminary investigation shows that the syndicate had earlier kidnapped another male victim under the same modus operandi and collected one hundred thousand naira ransom before releasing him,” he said.
According to him, the gang specialised in using social media platforms to post fake job vacancies to trap unsuspecting victims.
“They advertise fictitious job openings online. Once victims show interest, they are directed to a meeting point at Eke Obinagu, Emene, and then transported to a forested hideout in Akpuoga Nike, where they are held hostage and threatened with weapons until ransom is paid,” he explained.
Ndukwe added that the arrested suspect had already confessed and was assisting investigators.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime and is currently helping the police with ongoing investigations aimed at arresting his fleeing accomplices and dismantling the entire network,” he said.
He further noted that efforts were ongoing to recover the ransom payments and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Also reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, warned members of the public against falling victim to online scams.
“The public must exercise extreme caution when dealing with online job offers. People should verify the authenticity of such opportunities before taking any further steps,” the Commissioner said.
He urged residents to report suspicious movements or activities promptly to security agencies, adding that community cooperation remains critical in tackling kidnapping and cyber-related crimes.