The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed several officers accused of involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State, as part of ongoing internal reforms aimed at strengthening discipline and accountability within the institution.
In a statement issued on Thursday, May 14, police spokesperson Anthony Placid described the conduct of the affected officers as “a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values” of the force.
According to the statement, investigations revealed a criminal network involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa. The officers identified include Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
They were alleged to have carried out armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while conducting illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt. The police said the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search exercises and forced them to hand over access to their bank and cryptocurrency accounts, from which millions of naira were reportedly stolen.
The three officers have been arrested, while three others — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently at large.
Authorities said three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations were recovered, along with ₦7.3 million traced to proceeds of the crimes. Investigators also confirmed that firearms were used during the illegal activities, which reportedly targeted residents in Rivers State.
In a separate case, the Force disclosed that another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, was also uncovered for similar offences. The officers include John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
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They were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, theft and official corruption. The police alleged that the group routinely abducted citizens and siphoned funds from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts while posing as law enforcement officers on patrol.
Following orderly room proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from service. Their case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and corruption.
The police leadership reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out criminal elements within the force, regardless of rank, under the current administration of the Inspector General of Police.
Members of the public were also encouraged to continue reporting cases of misconduct, abuse of office and human rights violations through official complaint channels for prompt investigation and action.
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