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The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its internal disciplinary measures with the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of several police officers implicated in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the actions form part of ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Force to cleanse the institution of corrupt and criminal elements.
The Force described the conduct of the affected officers as a serious violation of the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains committed to accountability and institutional reforms.
According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa. The officers identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus allegedly engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while carrying out illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt and surrounding areas.
The police said the officers allegedly abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forced them to surrender access to their bank and cryptocurrency applications, and extorted millions of naira from them.
The investigation led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other suspects identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
Police authorities disclosed that three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations were recovered, alongside ₦7.3 million believed to be proceeds from the criminal activities. Investigators also found that the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents in Rivers State.
In another case, the Force uncovered a separate criminal network involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Police Command.
The officers identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu were accused of kidnapping, extortion, stealing and abuse of office while operating under the guise of official patrol duties.
According to the police, the dismissed officers routinely abducted members of the public, extorted money from victims through forced bank and cryptocurrency transfers, and dispossessed them of valuables.
The Force confirmed that the officers had undergone orderly room trial proceedings and were subsequently dismissed from service. Their case files have also been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The police urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct, extortion and abuse of office by officers through official complaint channels, assuring that all allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
The Force reiterated its commitment to professional, transparent and accountable policing anchored on the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.
