The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing its police outpost following controversy over the renovation of the facility by suspected cultists.
The command has also launched an investigation to establish who financed and authorised the project, as well as whether police officers breached professional standards during the renovation and the reported handover ceremony.
PoliticsNigeria reports that the development followed the circulation of a video on social media showing a group of men at the renovated police facility alongside police officers.
The footage has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the project and the relationship between the individuals involved and the police.
The police spokesperson in Rivers State, Blessing Agabe, disclosed the disciplinary measures in a statement shared on Facebook on Friday.
She said the command had taken note of the reports and ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
In the video, several men wearing black, white and red shirts were seen at the facility during what appeared to be a ceremony marking the completion and handover of the renovation.
Some police officers were also captured taking photographs with members of the group.
A Facebook user identified the group as “Aro Bagger” and claimed that the unveiling of the renovated police outpost formed part of activities organised to mark the group’s 2026 “Humanitarian Day celebration” on 15 October.
However, the allegations surrounding the group’s identity, activities and involvement in the renovation remain subject to the police investigation.
The footage alone does not establish whether the individuals involved committed any offence or whether the renovation was formally approved by the appropriate authorities.
The controversy has prompted the command to examine the circumstances under which the work was carried out and the extent of any involvement by serving police personnel.
According to Agabe, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed investigators to identify the individuals and groups that financed or facilitated the renovation.
The investigation will also establish which officers approved the project and whether the necessary procedures were followed before work commenced on the police facility.
The command is particularly concerned about whether any officer acted outside the established rules governing police operations and the acceptance of assistance from members of the public.
The statement said the investigation would “determine whether any police officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force,” underscoring the command’s position that any suspected misconduct must be thoroughly examined.
The removal of the two officers is part of the command’s response to the controversy, although the investigation is expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether further disciplinary measures are necessary.
The police also condemned any action capable of undermining the discipline, integrity and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
It warned that police facilities must not be used as platforms through which suspected criminal groups seek public recognition, legitimacy or influence.
Nevertheless, the police clarified that contributions from members of the public towards improving police infrastructure are not automatically prohibited by law.
Agabe explained that “legitimate community support for improving police facilities is permitted under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.”
The provision allows for certain forms of support to the police, but the command stressed that such assistance must be handled in a manner that preserves the independence of the force and complies with established procedures.
It maintained that donations must not compromise police security, professional standards or the ability of officers to carry out their duties without improper influence.
The command further stated that “No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.”
The police said appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable at the conclusion of the investigation.
The outcome will determine whether the renovation was properly authorised, whether any officer violated established regulations and whether any criminal conduct occurred in connection with the project.
The command also reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism and organised crime in Rivers State. It urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their operations.
The police have yet to disclose the identities of all those involved in the renovation or announce the findings of the investigation.
It also remains unclear from the statement whether the alleged financiers or members of the group have been invited for questioning.