A Nigerian national, resident in South Africa, reportedly evaded his captors after being abducted from his country home in Enugu State in a New Year’s Day kidnapping.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld, was taken from Obinagu Isikweachi in the Orji River Local Government Area of Enugu by a masked six-man gang on the evening of 1st January 2026.
He was transported to an undisclosed location along the Isulo community axis in Orumba South Local Government, Anambra State. From there, he managed to escape his abductors and, by chance, encountered a Police-led joint security team from the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Aguata, who were on a routine patrol in the early hours of 15th January.
Recounting his ordeal to the police patrol, the victim praised the officers for their timely intervention.
He confirmed he is a Nigerian citizen from Obinagu–Isikweachi but is currently based in South Africa.
He further revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N40 million from his family before his escape, which ultimately led to his rescue by the security operatives.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident. He stated that following his rescue, the victim was thoroughly debriefed and has since been reunited with his family.
“Operatives are actively working with actionable intelligence provided by the victim to identify and dislodge the criminal hideout within the area and apprehend those responsible,” SP Ikenga said.
He added, “The Anambra State Police Command continues to reiterate its commitment to sustaining proactive policing.”
