Seven Arrested in Lagos for Kidnapping and Fraud

On 12 September 2026, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, led by CSP Sunday Cirman, arrested seven suspected members of two fraud syndicates targeting successful businessmen and women across Lagos State. The suspects, who referred to themselves as “local 419,” allegedly abducted victims and demanded ransom for their release.

A list of over 125 business operators marked as potential targets was uncovered by the police. One victim, a tyre merchant, was held captive in Ogun State and paid approximately N24 million in ransom.

The syndicates employed various tactics to defraud prospective investors, particularly targeting women. Patrick Nwankwo, a 61-year-old suspect from Imo State, claimed he joined the gang after his second-hand clothing business failed.

He described his role as a “caller,” responsible for identifying and contacting victims, often using bicycle spare parts as bait. The gang operated primarily from Ogun State while targeting major markets in Lagos.