The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five inspectors attached to its Department of Operations over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, confirmed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday and released by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.
Placid said the officers were found to have been involved in a pattern of criminal activities between September 2025 and January 2026 across different parts of the state.
The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
According to him, the case followed petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several victims.
He said the officers allegedly operated in minibuses and carried out illegal stop-and-search operations during which members of the public were intercepted at gunpoint.
“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts.
“They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion,” he said.
Investigations reportedly revealed that the group abducted a male victim along Aba Road and dispossessed him of over N3.6 million and $4,000 from his cryptocurrency wallet.
Another victim was also allegedly kidnapped and robbed of over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim reportedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.
Placid said, “After the officers were arrested, an orderly room proceeding found them culpable, leading to their dismissal from the Nigerian Police Force with immediate effect.
“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion has been established against the dismissed officers,” he stated.
He added that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with formal charges expected to be filed within 30 days.
Placid reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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