Cross River police bust massive ‘japa’ scam, rescue 100 victims

By Emma Una

Calabar—The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar, has successfully dismantled a major kidnapping and “Japa” job-scam syndicate operating in Cross River State, rescuing over 100 victims and rejecting a bribe of ¦ 50 million intended to derail the investigation.

According to a statement issued on February 14, 2026, by the Zonal Public Relations Officer, Jefferson Anisma, the operation was executed by the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, ZCID, following credible intelligence on the activities of the criminal network.

,The statement said. “The syndicate specialised in deceiving unsuspecting Nigerians, particularly youths seeking opportunities abroad. They used psychological coercion, persuading victims to sell personal property and surrender their life savings under the pretense of securing visas, foreign citizenship, or lucrative employment overseas.”

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammad, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of ZCID, DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, to take decisive action.

Acting on the directive, ZCID operatives launched a coordinated raid at about 6:00 a.m. on February 14, 2026, dismantling what the police described as an organised criminal enterprise.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate exploited the popular “Japa” trend, persuading victims to resign from jobs, dispose of valuable assets, and transfer substantial sums of money. Instead of facilitating their travel abroad, victims were lured to designated locations within Cross River State, where they were psychologically manipulated and financially incapacitated. Some were coerced into recruiting additional targets to sustain the operation.

The syndicate also staged elaborate deception, housing victims in well-furnished apartments, taking staged photographs in appealing settings, and instructing them to share the images on social media to falsely suggest successful relocation abroad. Certain victims were even forced to participate in the scheme to perpetuate the scam.

During the operation, key suspects were apprehended and the over 100 victims were rescued and handed over to the Cross River State Government for care, profiling, and reintegration support.

“The syndicate allegedly attempted to compromise the investigation with a ¦ 50 million bribe, which was firmly rejected,” DSP Anisma stated, describing the action as a demonstration of police professionalism and integrity.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police commended DCP Ogechi and his team for their resilience and tactical efficiency, reaffirming the Zone’s commitment to eliminating criminal networks targeting vulnerable citizens. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.

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