Police Arrest Two Suspected Kidnappers in Anambra: Victim Escapes Criminal Den in Dunukofia
In the early hours of Wednesday, June 25, 2025, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Anambra State made a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime. The operatives arrested two suspected members of a notorious kidnapping gang operating in Umudioka, a community in Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest came after a distressing case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and attempted murder involving a victim who miraculously escaped from the criminals’ den. The successful operation was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to DSP Ikenga, the two suspects arrested have been identified as Onele Solomon, popularly known by the alias “Federal,” and Simeon Chidera, also known as “Chaplet.” Both men are 23 years old. They are alleged to be part of a larger criminal syndicate that specializes in deceiving innocent people through fake land sales.
Criminal Modus Operandi: Luring Victims with Fake Land Deals
Ikenga explained that the gang's method involves luring unsuspecting victims by posing as land sellers. Under this pretense, they invite victims to isolated locations where they are ambushed, kidnapped, and robbed.
“The two suspects on 31st May, 2025, abducted a victim, dispossessed him of his personal belongings, and inflicted life-threatening injuries on him with a machete,” Ikenga revealed in an official statement. “They also kept the victim in one of their criminal dens while demanding ransom from his family members and friends.”
This calculated deception has become a disturbing tactic among some criminal gangs in Anambra and other parts of southeastern Nigeria. It takes advantage of the increasing demand for land, especially in suburban areas, to lure unsuspecting buyers into remote places where they are vulnerable.
Victim's Miraculous Escape Foils Criminal Plans
In a twist of fortune, the victim managed to escape from the hideout where he was being held. Although he had been severely injured, his escape marked a turning point in the investigation.
The police quickly swung into action following the victim’s escape. He was immediately debriefed by the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad. His testimony was key to identifying and locating the suspects. Acting on the victim’s information, the police carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of “Federal” and “Chaplet.”
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga noted that the confessions extracted from the suspects have helped the police to launch further operations aimed at arresting the other gang members who are still on the run.
Police Vow to Dismantle Kidnapping Syndicate in Dunukofia
In response to the revelations from the suspects and the growing concern among residents of the area, the police command has now intensified its crackdown on the entire kidnapping syndicate. DSP Ikenga stated that operatives have activated "onslaught operations" to dismantle the entire criminal network operating within and around Umudioka and neighboring communities in Dunukofia LGA.
“We are determined to bring every member of this criminal gang to justice,” Ikenga said. “Their activities have caused fear and pain among law-abiding citizens, and we will not relent until their operations are completely dismantled.”
Rising Insecurity in Anambra: Community Cautions Buyers
This latest incident adds to the rising cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in parts of Anambra State. Local security watchers have noted an uptick in the use of fake land sales as bait to abduct victims. Communities like Umudioka, Umunnachi, Ukpo, and Nawgu have all experienced similar cases in recent months.
The local government authorities, traditional rulers, and community vigilantes have been urging potential land buyers to always verify the identities of land agents and involve security agencies before visiting new sites.
A resident of Umudioka who spoke to NaijaRush under anonymity said: “We have been warning our people not to go and inspect land alone, especially when you don’t know the seller well. These boys now pretend to be land agents, but their real plan is to kidnap and collect ransom.”
Implications for Public Safety and Real Estate Security
This incident also raises important questions about safety in the booming land acquisition and real estate business in Nigeria. The surge in land-related fraud, fake agents, and criminal traps is endangering lives and properties across southeastern Nigeria.
Experts say government agencies must do more to regulate land sales, verify the authenticity of land agents, and strengthen community policing structures to prevent criminals from exploiting the system. Furthermore, collaboration between state ministries of land and the police is essential to clamp down on gangs using land fraud as a cover for violent crimes.
Call for Vigilance: How to Stay Safe
The Anambra State Police Command has urged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station or through their emergency numbers.
DSP Ikenga also advised the public to avoid transacting with unknown persons on land matters without proper verification and security arrangements.
“In these times, everyone needs to be security conscious,” he said. “Do not meet strangers in isolated areas, and always inform your loved ones or security personnel before going for any land inspection.”
What’s Next?
As of now, the two suspects remain in police custody and are being interrogated. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang. The police have assured the public that justice will be served and that they will not rest until every member of the criminal network is arrested and prosecuted.
Meanwhile, the victim is said to be recovering from his injuries and receiving medical attention. His escape and bravery in reporting the incident have been praised as vital to unraveling the operations of the gang.
Conclusion
The arrest of Onele Solomon a.k.a. Federal and Simeon Chidera a.k.a. Chaplet is a significant win for the Anambra State Police and a clear message to criminal gangs that the law will catch up with them. However, it also serves as a serious reminder to the public about the dangers of unchecked transactions, especially in remote locations.
With the police vowing to dismantle the gang completely, residents of Dunukofia and neighboring communities can begin to hope for safer days ahead. But until then, vigilance remains the watchword.
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