Love Turned To Handcuffs: Rape Survivors Lure Kaduna Kidnappers To Arrest

Kaduna witnessed a dramatic twist of fate on Tuesday as two suspected kidnappers were arrested after allegedly falling in love with the very women they abducted and raped—only to be lured into a police trap disguised as a romantic date.
According to security sources, the suspects had earlier kidnapped two married women and held them captive for several days. During their captivity, the women were allegedly raped by the abductors. Faced with extreme danger and trauma, the victims reportedly adopted a survival strategy, pretending to develop emotional and romantic feelings for their captors.
Investigators revealed that the women told the suspects they were “enjoying the relationship,” a claim that allegedly softened the kidnappers and led to an exchange of phone numbers before the women were eventually released.
What appeared to the suspects as the beginning of a twisted romance was, however, the start of their downfall.
After regaining freedom, the women reportedly maintained contact with the suspects while secretly alerting the police and providing detailed information about them. The conversations later led to an invitation for a “romantic meeting” at an agreed location in Kaduna.
Unaware of what awaited them, the two suspects reportedly arrived at the venue, expecting to meet the women. Instead, they walked straight into an ambush by police operatives who had been placed on standby.
The suspects were immediately arrested without incident.
Police sources confirmed that the men are currently in custody and are being interrogated for kidnapping, rape and other related offences. Authorities are also investigating whether the suspects are connected to other kidnapping cases within Kaduna State and beyond.
The incident has triggered widespread reactions, with many describing the women’s actions as a rare display of courage, presence of mind and tactical brilliance in the face of grave trauma. Rights advocates have also renewed calls for swift prosecution and stiffer penalties for sexual violence and kidnapping offences.
As one police source succinctly noted, “They thought love had found them. Instead, justice did.”
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.