Police Reject ₦50m Bribe, Bust ‘Japa’ Job-Visa Syndicate, Rescue 100 Victims in Calabar

ByNewsmakers

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Matilda Omonaiye/

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, says it has dismantled a sophisticated criminal syndicate that preyed on Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, rescuing more than 100 victims and rejecting a ₦50 million bribe allegedly offered to derail the investigation.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID) in the early hours of February 14, 2026, followed credible intelligence on a network specialising in fake overseas jobs, visas and citizenship arrangements.

According to the police, the group exploited the prevailing “Japa” migration trend by targeting youths eager to relocate. Victims were manipulated into selling their properties, resigning from jobs and transferring life savings to the suspects under the promise of guaranteed foreign placement.

Investigators said victims were transported to locations within Cross River State where they were psychologically coerced and financially incapacitated.

They were then compelled to recruit additional victims to sustain the operation.

To maintain the illusion of successful relocation abroad, the syndicate allegedly housed victims in well-furnished apartments, staged photographs in attractive environments and instructed them to send the images to relatives via social media.

Some victims were reportedly forced into operational roles within the criminal enterprise.

Acting on the directive of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the ZCID, DCP Udu Moses Ogechi, led the coordinated raid that dismantled the network and arrested key suspects.

During the investigation, the suspects allegedly attempted to compromise officers with a ₦50 million bribe, an offer the police said was firmly rejected.

Police authorities commended the investigative team for professionalism and integrity, describing the operation as a major breakthrough against organised fraud and human exploitation.

The rescued victims have been handed over to the Cross River State Government for care, profiling and reintegration.

Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicate.

The command urged members of the public to verify overseas employment opportunities through recognised legal channels before making payments or travel commitments.

DSP Jefferson Osupe Anisma, Zonal Public Relations Officer, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to rid the region of criminal groups exploiting vulnerable citizens.