By Rejoice Peterside
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested, and commenced prosecution of several police officers found culpable in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office, in what authorities describe as a continued effort to sanitize the institution and restore public trust.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, who said the disciplinary actions followed thorough investigations and internal trials involving personnel in Rivers State and its environs.
The Force said the affected officers engaged in serious criminal activities while exploiting their positions as law enforcement agents, an action described as a “gross betrayal” of the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed his commitment to discipline, accountability, and sustained internal reform within the Force, stressing that no officer found culpable will be spared, regardless of rank or status.
Investigations revealed that one of the major cases involved a criminal syndicate of serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa.
The officers identified as Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis, and Inspector Olayemi Titus allegedly operated illegal patrol teams in Port Harcourt, where they reportedly engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion.
They were accused of abducting victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations, forcing them to unlock banking and cryptocurrency accounts, and extorting millions of naira in the process.
Police authorities said the investigation 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.
Recovered exhibits include three Toyota Sienna vehicles allegedly used in the operations and N7,338,800 traced to proceeds of the crimes. The suspects were also said to have carried firearms during the illegal activities and allegedly carried out similar operations across Rivers State.
In a separate investigation, another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, was also implicated in organised criminal activities.
Those named include Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.
They were accused of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption, allegedly targeting citizens under the guise of official patrol duties.
Findings showed that the officers routinely abducted victims and transferred money from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts, while also dispossessing them of valuables.
Following orderly room trials, the five officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while their case files have been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.
The Police Command urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct, extortion, and abuse of office through official complaint channels for prompt investigation.
The Force reiterated its commitment to building a professional, transparent, and accountable policing system anchored on the rule of law and respect for human rights.
