By Ojima-Ojo Abubakar
The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its internal cleansing process with the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of officers implicated in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and abuse of office in Rivers State.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Friday.
The police described the actions of the affected officers as a betrayal of the ethics, standards and professional values of the Force.
The statement noted that the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remained determined to expose and remove criminal elements within the institution, regardless of rank.
According to the Force, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa.
The officers identified as Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis and Inspector Olayemi Titus allegedly engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion through illegal patrol operations in Port Harcourt.
The suspects were said to have abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forced them to surrender access to their bank and cryptocurrency applications before extorting millions of naira.
Police authorities said the three officers had been arrested, while three other accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — were currently on the run.
The Force added that three Toyota Sienna buses used for the operations and N7.3m linked to the criminal activities were recovered during the investigation.
It added that findings revealed the syndicate operated with firearms and allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents across 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 — Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu — were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing and official corruption.
The Force said the dismissed officers routinely abducted citizens, extorted money through unlawful transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and dispossessed them of valuables while pretending to carry out official patrol duties.
The five officers were subsequently dismissed after orderly room proceedings, while the case file had been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The police urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct, extortion and human rights violations through established complaint channels for prompt action.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.
