Police intensify internal cleansing, dismiss officers over kidnapping, robbery in Rivers

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has intensified its internal cleansing process with the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of police personnel allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing and abuse of office in Rivers State and surrounding areas.

The Force said the affected officers betrayed the ethics, standards and professional values of the institution, stressing that the leadership under the Inspector-General of Police remains committed to identifying and removing criminal elements within the system regardless of rank or position.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placide, the police disclosed that 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 while carrying out illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the suspects abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forced them to surrender access to their bank and cryptocurrency accounts before extorting millions of naira.

The police said investigations led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently at large.

Recovered exhibits included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations and N7.3 million traced to the criminal activities.

The Force added that findings revealed the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting residents within Rivers State.

In a separate investigation, the police uncovered another syndicate involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.

The officers identified as 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.

The Force said the five officers had undergone orderly room proceedings and were subsequently dismissed from service, while the case file had been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.

The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office and extortion through official complaint channels for prompt investigation and action.

The Force reiterated its commitment to building a professional, transparent and accountable policing system rooted in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.