The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested and initiated prosecution against several police officers accused of involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing and abuse of office in Rivers State.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the police authorities on Wednesday.
According to the statement, the police leadership said the actions of the affected officers amounted to a serious violation of the ethics and professional standards of the Force.
The Force said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains determined to rid the institution of criminal elements regardless of their ranks.
“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.
The police disclosed that investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
The officers were accused of carrying out armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion through illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the suspects allegedly abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forced them to surrender access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications before extorting millions of naira.
The Force said three suspects were arrested, while three other officers — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — remain at large.
Police investigators reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside ₦7,338,800 traced to the criminal activities.
Findings also indicated that the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly conducted similar operations against residents in Rivers State.
In another case, the Force said it uncovered a separate syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.
The officers named were Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
The statement alleged that the officers engaged in organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing and official corruption while posing as patrol operatives.
The Force said the officers routinely abducted victims, extorted money through unlawful transfers from bank and cryptocurrency accounts and dispossessed citizens of valuables.
“Consequently, the five implicated officers were subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences,” the statement added.
The police urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct, abuse of office, extortion and human rights violations through official complaint channels for prompt action.
The Force further reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism in line with the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.