Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC–Delta North) has called on security agencies to ensure that individuals involved in staged kidnappings face the full weight of the law.
In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Nwoko decried the growing trend of fake abductions, describing them as reckless and criminal acts that must not be allowed to take root in Nigerian society.
The senator recounted a recent incident in which he received a distress call from a parent whose son was reportedly kidnapped, with a viral video showing him in the forest of Aniocha North. He said he immediately mobilised police officers and local vigilantes for rescue, only for investigations to reveal that the young man had staged his own abduction.
“This is a reckless and criminal act, alien to the values of our people in Delta North, and it must not be allowed to take root. Staged kidnappings traumatise families, waste vital security resources, erode public trust, and trivialise the suffering of genuine victims,” Nwoko said.
He stressed that punishing culprits would serve as a deterrent and send a strong message that such deceit has no place in Nigeria.
Nwoko reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding communities in Delta North, supporting security agencies, and ensuring peace and trust among his constituents.
