Police Uncover ‘Constructive Kidnapping’ Scheme, Rescue 16 Victims in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has exposed a disturbing new trend in kidnapping, termed ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ where unsuspecting young women are lured by kidnappers posing as online friends or lovers.

This alarming tactic has already ensnared 16 ladies across Lagos State, all of whom were successfully rescued by the police. In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl was found after allegedly faking her own kidnapping in collaboration with her boyfriend to extort ransom from her parents.

Describing the scheme, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Ishola, briefed journalists over the weekend about the command’s breakthroughs between September 2024 and January 2025.

According to CP Ishola, the kidnappers’ methods are both calculated and deceptive. “They begin by befriending their potential victims on social media platforms, creating a false sense of trust. Once the victim is comfortable, they are invited to Lagos, often with promises of romance or lucrative opportunities,” he explained.

The kidnappers make their offers enticing by sending up to ₦500,000 and covering flight expenses, sometimes even booking business-class tickets. Upon arrival, the victims are lodged in five-star hotels, where their phones are confiscated, and their accounts drained. The kidnappers then contact the victims’ families, demanding ransom and issuing threats.

“It is termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unknowingly walk into the trap,” said CP Ishola. “They are lured from their safe space with lavish promises. Once they arrive, their phones are seized, their money is stolen, and the kidnappers demand more from their families. I’ve rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap. However, we remain one step ahead.”

He urged the public, especially young women, to exercise caution when interacting with strangers online. “If you see something, say something,” the Commissioner advised.

In another incident, CP Ishola recounted the case of a 15-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo Victoria, who conspired with her boyfriend to fake her kidnapping. Her mother reported her missing on January 8, 2025. The following day, the family received a ransom demand and transferred money to an account provided by the supposed captors.

“Our investigations traced the girl to her boyfriend’s residence, where she was found with a baby,” CP Ishola said. “The duo was apprehended, and the girl admitted to the scheme.”

The Lagos Police Command continues to work tirelessly to combat these emerging threats, emphasizing public vigilance as a critical tool in preventing such crimes.