By Ovat Abeng
The Anambra State Police Command has foiled an alleged plot by a gang of gunmen to kidnap some prominent personalities in the state.
The command also arrested the alleged leader of a three-man syndicate notorious for defrauding unsuspecting members of the public in Anambra and Enugu states.
In a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the breakthrough was attributed to operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), who foiled the kidnap attempt at Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
READ ALSO: NYCN-CRS Chairman, Olayi, Receives National President, Sukubo, on ‘Thank You’ Visit
According to him, “Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, on the evening of July 11, 2026, foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim, and arrested one Kenneth Nnaji, 66, for his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.”
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception across Anambra and Enugu states.
“The suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information on the group’s modus operandi.
“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 allegedly defrauded through the fraudulent 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. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the syndicate.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, 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 further directed the investigating team to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud, and prosecute all those found culpable in accordance with the law.
