The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim and arrested a 66-year-old man for his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specializing in obtaining money under false pretences.
Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Awkuzu, carried out the operation on the evening of 11th July 2026, leading to the arrest of one Kenneth Nnaji, aged 66.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specializes in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception across Anambra and Enugu states.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information on the group’s modus operandi.
According to police, the syndicate reportedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies. They allegedly obtain goods from prospective victims under the guise of collecting samples and subsequently direct the victims to another location, claiming that larger quantities of the goods are available for purchase at heavily discounted prices. The victims are then defrauded through the scheme.
The suspect further identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be ascertained), Jacob Musa, and Joseph (surname yet to be ascertained), all of whom are currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, PhD, has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and exercise due diligence by verifying the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before engaging in any business transactions.
He also directed the investigating team to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud, and prosecute all those found culpable.
Ikenga said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the syndicate, adding that the arrested suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.