The Anambra State Police Command has foiled a suspected kidnap attempt, rescued a victim and arrested a 66-year-old man, Kenneth Nnaji, over his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate accused of obtaining money under false pretences in Awka and its environs.

The command said the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man syndicate that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception across Anambra and Enugu states.

The command Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, carried out the operation on July 11.

Ikenga said the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and provided investigators with useful information about the group’s operations.

He said the syndicate allegedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.

According to him, the suspects allegedly obtain goods from prospective victims under the guise of collecting samples before directing them to another location, claiming larger quantities of the goods are available at heavily discounted prices, where they are eventually defrauded.

The statement read, “Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, on the evening of July 11, 2026, foiled a suspected kidnap plot, rescued a victim, and arrested one Kenneth Nnaji, aged 66, for his alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate specialising in obtaining money under false pretences in Awka.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to a three-man criminal syndicate that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public through elaborate deception across Anambra and Enugu states.

“The suspect, during interrogation, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal enterprise and provided useful information on the group’s modus operandi.

“The syndicate reportedly disguises its members in branded overalls and caps while posing as representatives of reputable companies.

“They allegedly obtain goods from prospective victims under the guise of collecting samples and subsequently direct the victims to another location, claiming that larger quantities of the goods are available for purchase at heavily discounted prices.

“The victims are then allegedly defrauded through the fraudulent scheme.

“The suspect further identified other members of the syndicate as Christopher (surname yet to be ascertained), Jacob Musa, and Joseph (surname yet to be ascertained), all of whom are currently at large.”

Ikenga said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and dismantle the syndicate.

He added that the Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, urged members of the public to remain vigilant and verify the identities and credentials of individuals claiming to represent companies before engaging in business transactions.

He said, “He further directed the investigating team to conduct a thorough investigation into the case, ensure the arrest of all fleeing suspects, recover the proceeds of the alleged fraud, and prosecute all those found culpable in accordance with the law.

“The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.” (The PUNCH)

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