The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim and arrested a 66-year-old suspect over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public across Anambra and Enugu states.
The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, arrested the suspect, identified as Kenneth Nnaji, during an operation carried out on the evening of July 11, 2026, in Awka.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences through elaborate deception.
Ikenga said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and provided investigators with useful information on the group’s mode of operation.
He explained that members of the syndicate allegedly disguised themselves in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies to deceive prospective victims.
The suspects were said to obtain goods from victims under the pretext of collecting samples before directing them to another location with claims that larger quantities of the products were available for purchase at heavily discounted prices, where the victims were eventually defrauded.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher, whose surname is yet to be established, Jacob Musa and Joseph, whose surname is also yet to be ascertained. The three suspects are currently at large.
He said the police had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects with a view to dismantling the criminal network.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to remain vigilant and verify the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before entering into any business transactions.
The police commissioner also directed investigators to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects, recover proceeds of the alleged fraud and ensure that all those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command said the arrested suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
