Title: Police Reject ₦50m Bribe, Smash Kidnapping and Job-Scam Syndicate, Rescue 100 Victims in Calabar Date Published: 14 February 2026 Description: The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, has dismantled a major kidnapping and job-scam syndicate, rescuing more than 100 victims in a coordinated operation across parts of Cross River State.The breakthrough was disclosed in a statement issued on February 14, 2026, by the Zone 6 Public Relations Officer, Jefferson Osupe Anisma, a Deputy Superintendent of Police.According to the statement, the criminal network specialised in manipulating unsuspecting Nigerians through deception and psychological coercion, forcing victims to sell personal property and surrender life savings under the pretext of securing foreign visas, citizenship, and lucrative employment opportunities abroad.Following credible intelligence, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters, Calabar, ordered immediate action. Acting on the directive, the Deputy Commissioner of Police heading the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department (ZCID), Udu Moses Ogechi, led operatives in an early-morning operation at about 6:00 a.m. on February 14, 2026, successfully dismantling the syndicate.Investigations revealed that the group exploited the popular “Japa” migration trend, targeting young Nigerians eager to relocate abroad. Victims were allegedly persuaded to resign from their jobs, dispose of assets, and transfer large sums of money to the syndicate. Upon arrival at designated locations within the state, they were isolated, financially drained, and psychologically manipulated.Police said the victims were later coerced into recruiting new victims to sustain the operation. To maintain the illusion of success, the syndicate lodged them in well-furnished apartments, staged photographs in attractive environments, and instructed them to share the images with relatives via social media to suggest successful relocation overseas. Some victims were reportedly forced to assume operational roles within the criminal network.In the raid, ZCID operatives arrested key suspects and rescued over 100 victims from multiple locations. The victims have since been handed over to the Cross River State Government for care, profiling, and reintegration support.During the investigation, the syndicate allegedly attempted to compromise the operation by offering a ₦50 million bribe, which was firmly rejected by the police. The AIG in charge of Zone 6 Headquarters commended DCP Ogechi and his team for their professionalism, integrity, and tactical efficiency, reaffirming the zone’s resolve to rid the region of criminal syndicates preying on vulnerable citizens.Police said intensive investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.Members of the public have been advised to exercise caution with overseas job offers and to verify travel and employment opportunities through recognised and lawful channels. Attached Images: aaefe136d0bd8939d97bb0f1f146c8cc64b0a8dca98d144a13866c3f0a94c806.jpg Attached Video: None