The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its internal cleansing efforts with the dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office in Rivers State and surrounding areas.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force said the action reflects its renewed commitment to discipline, accountability, and institutional reform under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the statement, the affected officers allegedly betrayed the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force by engaging in criminal activities while serving in active duty.
The Force disclosed that investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus. The officers were accused of carrying out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion through illegal patrol operations in Port Harcourt.
Police authorities alleged that the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forced them to grant access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications before extorting millions of naira.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain at large.
The Force said exhibits recovered from the suspects include three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations and the sum of N7.3 million traced to the criminal activities. Investigators also found that the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents within Rivers State.
In a separate case, the police uncovered another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command. The officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption.
The Force said the officers routinely abducted citizens, extorted money through unlawful transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and dispossessed them of valuables while operating under the guise of official patrol duties.
Following orderly room proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences.
The police urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations through established complaint channels for prompt investigation and action.
The Force reiterated its commitment to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system anchored on the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.
