By Anietie Akpan
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, has burst a “japa” syndicate gang and successfully rescued over 100 victims of kidnapping and job-scam linked to a criminal enterprise.
This major breakthrough is part of the determination by the police to protect lives and safeguard property.
The syndicate which specialized in manipulating unsuspecting Nigerians, tried unsuccessfully to bribe the police with N50 million.
A statement from the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, DSP. Jefferson Osupe Anisma for the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, Zone 6, said the syndicate deployed psychological coercion and deception to swindle victims, compelling them to sell their properties and relinquish their life savings under the guise of securing visas, citizenship, and lucrative employment opportunities abroad.
He said, “upon the receipt of credible intelligence, the AIG of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammad, immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, to take decisive action”.
Acting on this directive, the ZCID operatives swung into action in the early hours of 14th February, 2026, at about 0600hrs, to dismantle the organized criminal network.
The enterprise had exploited the prevailing “JAPA” trend by targeting youths eager to relocate overseas, promising seamless travel arrangements and guaranteed foreign placements, the statement said.
Preliminary investigations according to the police, revealed that “victims were persuaded to resign from their employment, dispose of personal assets, and transfer substantial sums of money to the syndicate. Upon arrival at designated locations within Cross River State, they were psychologically manipulated, financially incapacitated, and rendered vulnerable.
“Thereafter, they were coerced into working for the syndicate by recruiting additional victims, thereby sustaining the criminal operation. The syndicate maintained a deceptive façade by accommodating victims in well-furnished apartments within the state, staging photographs in aesthetically appealing environments, and directing them to forward such images to relatives via social media platforms to falsely suggest successful relocation abroad.
“Some victims were forcefully integrated into the structure of the syndicate and assigned operational roles to perpetuate the scheme”.
The statement said “in a swift and coordinated operation, the DCP ZCID Dcp Ogechi and his team apprehended key suspects connected with the network and rescued over one 100 victims from various locations.
“The rescued victims have since been handed over to the Cross River State Government for proper care, profiling, and reintegration support”.
During the course of the investigation, the statement said, “the syndicate allegedly attempted to compromise the process with a bribe offer of ₦50,000,000 which was firmly rejected, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Force to professionalism, integrity, and the rule of law.
The AIG of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, has commended the Head of the Zonal CID, DCP Ogechi and his team for this remarkable operational breakthrough, praising their resilience, tactical efficiency, and dedication to duty noting that the Zone remains resolute in its determination to rid the region of criminal syndicates preying on vulnerable citizens.
While intensive investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, the police said, members of the public are strongly advised to exercise due diligence regarding overseas job offers and to verify travel and employment arrangements through lawful and recognized channels.
