Lagos Police uncover a new kidnapping trend, ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ targeting women through social media. Learn how 16 victims were rescued and how to stay safe.
Lagos Police Expose New Kidnapping Trend Targeting Ladies Online
The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a sophisticated kidnapping scheme known as ‘Constructive Kidnapping.’ This alarming trend involves kidnappers posing as online friends or romantic partners to lure unsuspecting ladies into traps.
The command revealed that this disturbing tactic has already ensnared 16 women across Lagos State, all of whom have been successfully rescued. The revelation was made by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olawale Ishola, during a press briefing highlighting the command’s breakthroughs between September 2024 and January 2025.
How the Scheme Works
The kidnappers utilize social media platforms to identify and tag their victims as friends. By establishing a false sense of trust and connection, they lower their victims’ defenses.
- Tactics of Deception:
Once trust is established, the kidnappers invite their victims to Lagos under the pretense of a romantic or business meeting. To further entice their victims, they send substantial amounts of money—up to ₦500,000—to cover travel expenses, including business-class flight tickets, and arrange accommodations at luxurious five-star hotels. - Trap Execution:
Upon arrival in Lagos, the unsuspecting victims are taken to hotels where their phones are confiscated, and their money is drained from their accounts. The kidnappers then contact the victims’ families, demanding ransom under threats of harm to the victims.
CP Ishola described the scheme as “constructive” because the victims unknowingly walk into the trap, believing they are traveling for legitimate purposes.
Police Intervention and Rescue Efforts
The Commissioner of Police explained that the swift actions of his command resulted in the rescue of 16 victims from the clutches of these kidnappers. He emphasized that the police remain vigilant and one step ahead of the criminals.
He warned members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online. “If you see something, say something,” he advised.
A Case of Self-Staged Kidnapping
In a separate incident, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to stage her kidnapping and demand ransom from her parents.
The girl’s mother reported her missing on January 8, 2025, after she left home for an unknown destination. The following day, the family received a phone call demanding ransom for the girl’s release.
Police investigations traced the girl to her boyfriend’s residence, where she was found along with a baby. Both the girl and her boyfriend were apprehended, and the police confirmed that the family had been sending money to the account provided by the alleged kidnappers.
Public Awareness and Safety Recommendations
The Lagos State Police Command has called on citizens to remain cautious and vigilant when interacting with strangers, especially online acquaintances. The public is urged to report suspicious activities immediately to prevent falling victim to such schemes.
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