The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested, and begun prosecuting several officers accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office in Rivers State.
In a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, and shared on the police Facebook page on Thursday, the Force said the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force.
The police leadership under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said it remained committed to identify, expose, and remove criminal elements from within the institution, irrespective of rank or position.
According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa. The officers named were Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.
The Force alleged that: “The Officers engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion while operating illegal patrols within Port Harcourt.”
The statement added that the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forced them to open their banking and cryptocurrency applications, and extorted millions of Naira from them.
Police said three other accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently on the run.
Recovered exhibits included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations and n7,338,800 traced to the criminal activities.
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 said the officers engaged in organised acts of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption while pretending to carry out official patrol duties.
The police added that the five officers had been dismissed after orderly room proceedings, while their case file had been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.
The Force also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations through official complaint channels.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system firmly rooted in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights,” the statement said.
