The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and commenced prosecution of five inspectors over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and other forms of professional misconduct in Rivers State.
Police authorities also disclosed that three inspectors and one corporal attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who were implicated in similar crimes, are currently on the run.
The action, according to the police, is part of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s zero-tolerance stance on professional misconduct and criminality within the Force.
The Inspector-General had upon assumption of office pledged to sanitise the institution and ensure that officers found guilty of violating professional ethics and the policing code of conduct face disciplinary action.
Announcing the development in a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to discipline, accountability, and institutional reform.
“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force,” Placid said.
According to him, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving police officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, including Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis, and Inspector Olayemi Titus.
The officers were accused of engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion while allegedly operating illegal patrols within Port Harcourt and surrounding areas.
Police said the officers reportedly abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forcefully accessed victims’ banking and cryptocurrency applications, and extorted millions of naira from them.
Placid disclosed that investigations led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other accomplices identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain at large.
He added that exhibits recovered from the suspects included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations, as well as N7.3 million traced to the criminal activities.
“Findings further revealed that the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting members of the public within Rivers State,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that another investigation uncovered a separate criminal syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.
The officers — Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu — were accused of organised acts of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption.
According to the police, the dismissed 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.
“Consequently, the five implicated officers were subjected to orderly room proceedings and 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 statement said.
The police authorities urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police 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 rooted in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.
