The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors and initiated legal proceedings against them over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, theft, and other misconduct in Rivers State.
The police also revealed that three inspectors and a corporal attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who are linked to similar crimes, are currently at large.
According to the Force, the action reflects the zero-tolerance policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, against corruption and criminal behaviour within the police system.
In a statement issued on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, said the Force remains committed to discipline, accountability, and institutional reforms.
He described the actions of the affected officers as a serious violation of the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
Police investigations uncovered a criminal network involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, including Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus. The officers were accused of carrying out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion through illegal patrol operations around Port Harcourt and nearby areas.
Authorities alleged that the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forced them to grant access to their bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and extorted large sums of money from them.
The police said three suspects were arrested, while Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain on the run.
Recovered exhibits reportedly included three Toyota Sienna buses used for the operations and about N7.3 million believed to be proceeds from the crimes.
In a separate case, another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Police Command, was accused of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and corruption.
The officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were said to have abducted citizens, extorted money through illegal transfers from victims’ bank and crypto accounts, and stolen valuables while pretending to carry out official patrol duties.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from service, while their case files were forwarded for prosecution on multiple charges, including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.
The police urged Nigerians to continue reporting misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations by officers through official complaint channels, assuring the public of prompt investigation and action.
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