From a Phone Call to Captivity: How Modern Kidnappers Now Lure Victims With Fake Business Deals
Kidnapping in Nigeria is no longer always carried out through violent attacks on highways or forceful abductions in public places. Security experts and victims’ accounts increasingly show that many kidnappers now use deception, fake business invitations, and carefully planned communication to lure unsuspecting victims into danger.
This was exactly the experience of John Arum Azi, who narrated how he was allegedly kidnapped after receiving what appeared to be a legitimate business request.
According to his testimony, the suspected kidnappers initially contacted him under the guise of needing his professional service. They spoke politely, sounded organized, and presented themselves like genuine clients. To further convince him, they even sent transport fare from Jos to Kaduna, making the offer appear credible and trustworthy.
John explained that he believed the request came through a referral connected to a supposed job opportunity. With no reason to suspect foul play, he agreed to travel.
Upon arriving in Zaria, he was directed to a park where he would meet the alleged client. At first, everything seemed normal. The man he met identified himself as the same individual they had been communicating with over the phone.
However, the situation reportedly changed suddenly when they claimed they needed to proceed to another location on a motorcycle. It was at that moment John said fear began to creep in.
According to him, another man unexpectedly appeared carrying a dangerous weapon unlike anything he had seen before. He was immediately blindfolded and transported for several hours into Zamfara State, one of the regions that has repeatedly faced security challenges linked to banditry and kidnapping activities.
While in captivity, the abductors allegedly questioned him repeatedly about whether he had influential connections or wealthy relatives in Jos. John reportedly told them he came from a poor background and was only struggling to survive and support his family.
The kidnappers then demanded his father’s phone number. Since his father was deceased, he reportedly provided his brother’s contact instead. That marked the beginning of ransom negotiations.
According to his account, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦30 million before the amount was later reduced to ₦6 million. Even after the ₦6 million was eventually raised, the abductors allegedly insisted on an additional ₦4 million before finally releasing him.
Security analysts have repeatedly warned that kidnappers are becoming more sophisticated in their operations. Many now gather information through social media, business directories, online marketplaces, leaked databases, or casual conversations. In some cases, they may already know a victim’s name, occupation, location, and movement patterns before making contact.
Because of this growing trend, Nigerians — especially business owners, artisans, freelancers, delivery agents, technicians, contractors, and service providers — are being urged to exercise extreme caution when dealing with unfamiliar clients or referrals.
Safety experts recommend the following precautions:
Properly verify clients before traveling for meetings
Avoid attending unfamiliar locations alone
Share your live location with trusted relatives or friends
Inform family members before embarking on work-related trips
Be cautious of referrals from unknown persons
Trust your instincts whenever something feels suspicious
Whenever possible, insist on virtual meetings before physical appointments
Parents and guardians are also encouraged to regularly educate children, teenagers, and young adults about evolving kidnapping tactics and online deception.
In today’s reality, not every danger appears dangerous at first glance. Sometimes, what begins as a simple phone call, a business proposal, or transport money sent to your account could become the beginning of a life-threatening ordeal.
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