The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested and commenced prosecution of several officers implicated in kidnapping, armed robbery and extortion in Rivers State.
The Force said the move forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen internal discipline, accountability and institutional reforms within the organisation.
In a statement on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the affected personnel were involved in conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing and abuse of office.
He noted that the actions of the officers “represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force.”
Placid said the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remained committed to identifying and removing criminal elements within the Force, regardless of rank.
According to him, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving three serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa—Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
He said the officers allegedly engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while carrying out illegal patrols in Port Harcourt.
“The officers reportedly abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forcefully gained access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications, and extorted millions of naira,” he said.
Placid added that the three suspects had been arrested, while three other accomplices, Inspectors Awele Ogbogu, Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa, remained at large.
He disclosed that exhibits recovered included three Toyota Sienna buses and N7.34m traced to the criminal activities.
In a separate case, the police also uncovered another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.
Those implicated include Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
Placid said the officers engaged in organised acts of kidnapping, extortion and stealing while posing as operatives on official patrol.
He stated, “The dismissed officers routinely abducted citizens, extorted money through unlawful transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and dispossessed them of valuables.”
According to him, the five officers have been dismissed following orderly room proceedings, while their case file has been forwarded for prosecution.
The police urged members of the public to report cases of misconduct, abuse of office and human rights violations through established complaint channels.
Placid added that the Force remained committed to a transparent, accountable and service-driven policing system anchored on the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights.