From business call to bandit den: Man abducted through deceptive Job offer

A Jos-based artisan, John Arum Azi, has recounted how he was lured into captivity through a carefully orchestrated fake business arrangement that began with a simple phone call and ended in a multimillion-naira ransom payment.

John’s experience highlights a growing trend in kidnapping tactics, where perpetrators no longer rely solely on forceful abduction but deploy deception, digital transfers and convincing communication to trap unsuspecting victims.

According to his testimony, the ordeal began when he received a phone call from individuals who claimed to require his professional services. The callers reportedly sounded credible and spoke in a businesslike manner. To further reinforce the impression of legitimacy, they sent him transport fare from Jos to Kaduna directly into his bank account.

Believing the offer to be genuine — and possibly a referral from a previous client — John agreed to travel.

Upon arrival in Zaria, Kaduna State, he was instructed to proceed to a motor park where he would meet the supposed client. A man approached him and confirmed he was the individual they had been communicating with on the phone. At that stage, nothing appeared suspicious.

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The situation changed abruptly when the men suggested relocating to another venue via motorcycle. As they prepared to leave, another man reportedly appeared carrying a dangerous weapon John said he had never seen before.

He was immediately blindfolded and transported for several hours. When the blindfold was eventually removed, he discovered he had been taken into Zamfara State.

While in captivity, the kidnappers interrogated him repeatedly, particularly about whether he had influential connections in Jos who could pay a large ransom. John explained that he came from a humble background and was struggling to support his family.

The kidnappers demanded his father’s contact number. However, since his father was late, he provided his brother’s number instead. That marked the beginning of ransom negotiations.

Initially, the abductors demanded N30 million. After prolonged bargaining, the amount was reduced to N6 million. Even after the N6 million was paid, the kidnappers allegedly insisted on an additional N4 million before finally releasing him.

Security observers note that kidnappers are increasingly exploiting technology, digital payments and social engineering tactics to target victims. By accessing personal information such as phone numbers, professions and movement patterns, they create elaborate setups that appear legitimate.

In recent years, parts of Kaduna and Zamfara states have witnessed heightened security concerns linked to banditry and kidnapping-for-ransom activities, with criminal networks adapting their methods to evade detection and lure victims.

John’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for professionals whose work involves traveling to meet clients, delivering services or responding to referrals.

Security experts advise the following precautions:

Properly verify clients before traveling.

Avoid going alone to unfamiliar or isolated locations.

Share live location details with trusted contacts.

Inform family or friends before embarking on job-related travel.

Be cautious about referrals from unknown individuals.

Trust instincts when situations feel suspicious.

When possible, insist on virtual meetings before physical engagements.

Parents and guardians are also urged to educate young people about evolving kidnapping tactics, emphasizing that not all dangers appear threatening at first contact.

Authorities continue to warn residents to remain vigilant, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar business proposals that involve travel or advance payments.