The Lagos State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing new trend termed constructive kidnapping, where unsuspecting women are lured into kidnappers’ traps by individuals posing as online friends or romantic partners.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olanrewaju Ishola Olawale, disclosed the scheme while revealing that the police had successfully rescued 16 women who fell victim to the operation.
“It is constructive kidnapping because you have a scenario where a lady is lured from her safe space to Lagos by a group of boys or a single individual. They make it enticing by sending a business-class flight ticket, N500,000, and booking a luxurious five-star hotel. The victim feels like they’ve ‘arrived,’ unaware that it’s all a ruse,” CP Ishola explained.
The kidnappers reportedly create a false sense of friendship or romance through social media platforms. They entice their victims with promises of money and luxury, offering flight expenses and hotel bookings to convince them to travel to Lagos. However, upon arrival, the victims’ ordeal begins.
“Once the victims arrive, the kidnappers mess them up, seize their phones, transfer their money, and contact their relatives to demand ransom, threatening to kill the victim if their demands aren’t met,” CP Ishola stated.
The Commissioner of Police described the scheme as “constructive” because the victims unwittingly fall into the trap set for them. He noted that the kidnappers deliberately create a false sense of trust to lure the victims into a vulnerable position.
“This is a carefully orchestrated scam that preys on people’s trust and naivety. However, we are always one step ahead. So far, I’ve rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap,” he added.
The police issued a strong warning to the public, particularly women, to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online. CP Ishola advised, “Always be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something. Don’t let the promise of money or luxury blind you to potential dangers.”
The Lagos State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to combating crime and protecting lives, urging individuals to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
This development serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the online world and the importance of maintaining caution when interacting with strangers on social media platforms.
