The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its internal disciplinary crackdown with the dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of officers accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office in Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Force said the affected officers had betrayed the ethics and professional standards of the police institution, adding that the leadership under Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu remains committed to rooting out criminal elements within its ranks regardless of status or position.
According to the statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Okon Placid, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.
The officers, Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus — were alleged to have carried out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion operations while conducting illegal patrols in Port Harcourt.
The Police said the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forced access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications, and extorted millions of naira from them.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the three officers, while three alleged accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa remain at large.
Recovered exhibits include three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations and ₦7.3 million believed to be proceeds from the crimes.
The Force also disclosed that the suspects operated with firearms and were allegedly involved in similar criminal activities targeting residents across Rivers State.
In a separate case, another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Command was uncovered.
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The officers are Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.
The officers were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption.
The police said the dismissed officers routinely abducted citizens during patrol operations, extorted money through unlawful bank and cryptocurrency transfers, and dispossessed victims of valuables.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings known as orderly room trials, the five officers were dismissed from the Force, while their case files have been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.
The police urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of 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 added.