The Nigerian Police has successfully dismantled a trafficking syndicate and rescued more than one hundred people affected by the criminal enterprise.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, Cross River State, south-south Nigeria, Jefferson Osupe, indicated that the destruction of the syndicate, engaged in high-level international job scam, kidnapping and human trafficking, followed months of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Osupe further indicated that the criminal enterprise specialised in the use of manipulation to lure unsuspecting Nigerians, “deploying 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.”
According to the Zonal police publicist, “upon the receipt of credible intelligence, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, Auwal Musa Mohammed, immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department, Dr 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, to dismantle the organised 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,” he noted.
Osupe hinted that preliminary investigations revealed the victims were persuaded to resign from their employment, dispose of personal assets and were made to transfer substantial sums of money to the syndicate.
The zonal police officer stated, “Upon their 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,” he stated.
He explained that key suspects were apprehended and “rescued over one hundred (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.”
Osupe disclosed that the syndicate allegedly attempted to bribe the police with a fifty-million-naira (₦50,000,000) offer, which was firmly rejected, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to “professionalism, integrity and the rule of law.”
Osupe stated that the AIG commended the team for the feat achieved, the resilience displayed, their tactical efficiency and dedication, noting “zone remains resolute in its determination to rid the region of criminal syndicates preying on vulnerable citizens. An investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
“The public is strongly advised to exercise due diligence regarding overseas job offers and to verify travel and employment arrangements through lawful and recognised channels,” he added.