Police Break Up ‘Japa’ Fraud Network in Cross River, Rescue Over 100 Victims
Benjamin GBOR
The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Command in Calabar, has uncovered and dismantled a large criminal syndicate in Cross River State linked to kidnapping and fake overseas job schemes. More than 100 victims were rescued during the operation, and officers rejected a reported ₦50 million bribe allegedly offered to obstruct the investigation.
In a statement released on February 14, 2026, the Zonal Public Relations Officer, DSP Jefferson Osupe Anisma, explained that the breakthrough followed credible intelligence gathered by the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID).
According to police findings, the group targeted Nigerians—mostly young people desperate to relocate abroad under the popular “Japa” trend. Victims were allegedly deceived with promises of visas, foreign citizenship, and well-paying jobs overseas. Many were persuaded to resign from their employment, sell personal belongings, and hand over their life savings to the suspects.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Musa Mohammad, reportedly ordered immediate action after receiving the intelligence report. The Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing ZCID, Udu Moses Ogechi, subsequently led a coordinated raid in the early hours of February 14.
Investigations revealed that instead of arranging foreign travel, the syndicate confined victims within the state, where they were manipulated psychologically and drained financially. Some were pressured to recruit friends and acquaintances into the scheme to keep the operation running.
To sustain the illusion of successful relocation, victims were reportedly lodged in comfortable apartments and instructed to take attractive photos, which were then shared online to mislead others. In certain cases, victims were forced to join the network and assigned roles to perpetuate the fraud.
During the raid, key suspects were arrested across different locations, while over 100 victims were freed. Authorities confirmed that the rescued individuals have been handed over to the state government for profiling, care, and reintegration support.
Police further disclosed that the suspects attempted to bribe investigators with ₦50 million—an offer that was firmly declined. The command described the rejection as proof of its professionalism and commitment to justice.
Commending the operatives, the AIG praised their tactical efficiency and resilience, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle remaining criminal networks in the region.
