Manny Ita –
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 what authorities described as an ongoing internal reform and disciplinary crackdown.
In a statement issued by police spokesperson Anthony Placid, the force said the affected officers betrayed the ethics, standards, and professional values expected of members of the police institution.
According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa. The officers identified were Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.
Police authorities alleged that the officers carried out illegal patrol operations in Port Harcourt, during which they abducted victims through unlawful stop-and-search activities. The suspects were accused of forcibly gaining access to victims’ bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets before extorting millions of naira from them.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the three officers, while three additional suspects — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently on the run.
Investigators also recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used during the operations, alongside ₦7.3 million believed to have been linked to the criminal activities. Authorities said the suspects were armed and had allegedly carried out multiple similar operations against residents within Rivers State.
In a separate case, the police uncovered another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations in the Rivers State Command. The officers identified were John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.
The police accused the group of organized kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption. According to investigators, the officers routinely abducted civilians, forced unlawful money transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and stole valuables while pretending to conduct legitimate patrol duties.
Following orderly room disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from the force. Police authorities confirmed that their case files have now been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.
The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu said it remains committed to identifying and removing criminal elements within the institution regardless of rank or position.
The force also urged Nigerians to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations through official complaint channels to ensure prompt investigation and disciplinary action.
