Kidnap, ‘japa’ fraud network crushed in Calabar

By Lawrence Agbo

A significant kidnapping and Japa job-scam gang operating in Cross River State has been crushed by the Nigeria Police Force’s Zone 6 headquarters in Calabar. The force has rescued over 100 victims and turned down a bribe of 50 millionaira meant to sabotage the investigation.

The Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, or ZCID, carried out the operation after receiving reliable information on the criminal network’s operations, according to a statement released on February 14, 2026, by Jefferson Anisma, the Zonal Public Relations Officer.

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.”

AIG Auwal Musa Mohammad, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, gave DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of ZCID, instructions to act decisively.

On February 14, 2026, at around 6:00 a.m., ZCID agents carried out a coordinated raid in response to the command, demolishing what the police saw as an organized criminal operation.

According to investigations, the syndicate took advantage of the popular “Japa” trend, convincing victims to quit their jobs, sell precious property, and send large amounts of money. Victims were enticed to specific places within Cross River State, where they were financially and psychologically debilitated, rather than having their travel abroad facilitated. To keep the operation going, some were forced to find other targets.

Additionally, the syndicate carried out complex deception by providing victims with comfortable residences, posing for photos in picturesque locations, and giving them instructions to post the photos on social media to make it appear as though they had successfully relocated overseas. In order to keep the scam going, some victims were even coerced into taking part in it.

Key suspects were captured during the operation, and more than 100 victims were saved and turned over to the Cross River State Government for treatment, profiling, and assistance with reintegration.

DSP Anisma said the move was a show of police professionalism and integrity. “The syndicate allegedly attempted to compromise the investigation with a 50 million naira bribe, which was firmly rejected,” he said.