The Enugu State Police Command says it has rescued a kidnap victim and also caught and detained an online user allegedly involved in the abduction.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu and made available to newsmen on Monday.
Ndukwe explained that operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Sub-Unit of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) achieved the feat on April 11.
He stated that the operatives successfully rescued the kidnapped male victim (name withheld), who was allegedly lured via online, abducted, and compelled to pay half-a-million naira ransom.
He added that during the operation, a 27-year-old male suspect, identified as a member of the criminal syndicate, was caught and currently being detained.
Ndukwe stated: “Preliminary investigations revealed that the same syndicate had, on April 1, lured and kidnapped another male victim from whom it extorted a ₦100,000 ransom before releasing him.
“Furthermore, investigations indicate that the suspect and his accomplices on the run, employ deceptive tactics on social media platforms by advertising fictitious job vacancies.
“Unsuspecting victims, who indicate interest, are directed to a meeting point at Eke Obinagu, Emene, Enugu.
“They are subsequently transported to a secluded location in Akpuoga Nike, Enugu, where they are held captive and threatened with crude weapons, including iron objects and wooden planks, while ransom is demanded from their families.”
The police spokesman said that the suspect confessed to the crime.
Ndukwe noted that the suspect was currently assisting ongoing investigations aimed at apprehending his fleeing accomplices, recovering the ransoms collected, and dismantling the criminal network.
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The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mamman Giwa, to have urged the public to exercise due caution when engaging with online job providers and to verify the authenticity of such opportunities before taking further steps.
The commissioner encouraged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the command through the following emergency lines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668 or 09134448093.
(NAN)
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