The Lagos State Police Command has launched a major offensive against a rising trend of staged abductions, commonly known as “fake kidnapping” scams. In a series of operations concluded this weekend, 18 January 2026, police operatives arrested several individuals who allegedly faked their own disappearances to extort money from their families and employers.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the crackdown was prompted by a suspicious spike in reported “kidnappings” where the ransom demands were unusually low or the “victims” were found in questionable circumstances.
During a press briefing at the State Command Headquarters in Ikeja, the police paraded suspects involved in three separate high-profile cases:
The “Debt-Settler” Case: A 24-year-old university student was arrested after he went missing for five days, demanding ₦2 million from his parents. He was eventually traced to a hotel in Ikorodu, where he was found spending time with friends while waiting for the ransom payment.
The “Business Investment” Scam: A Lagos-based trader allegedly staged her own abduction to raise capital for a failed business venture. She sent “ransom” videos to her husband using a masked voice, claiming she was being held by gunmen in the Lekki-Epe axis.
The Accomplice Ring: Police also busted a small syndicate specializing in providing “safe houses” and “burner phones” specifically for people wishing to stage their own kidnappings.
SP Hundeyin warned that staging a kidnapping is a criminal offense punishable under the Lagos State Kidnapping Prohibition Law.
“We are seeing a dangerous trend where people exploit the genuine security concerns in the country to play on the emotions of their loved ones. This is not just a prank; it is a waste of state resources. Every fake case we investigate diverts our attention and assets away from genuine victims of crime. We will prosecute all suspects to the fullest extent of the law.”
The police advised families of “missing persons” to:
Report Immediately: Do not attempt to negotiate privately; let the anti-kidnapping unit verify the claim.
Check Digital Tracks: Often, suspects in fake kidnappings continue to use their social media or log into apps while “captive.”
Observe Behavior: Be wary of demands that ask for payments into personal or domestic bank accounts rather than untraceable channels.
While the police are highlighting these fake cases, they emphasized that genuine kidnapping remains a priority. The crackdown on scams is intended to clean up the data and ensure that security forces can focus exclusively on dismantling real criminal gangs operating in the outskirts of the state.
