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The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested and commenced prosecution of several police personnel implicated in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State as part of ongoing internal disciplinary reforms.
In a statement issued on May 14, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police said the action underscored the Force’s commitment to discipline, accountability and institutional cleansing.
The statement noted that the affected officers were involved in offences ranging from conspiracy and kidnapping to stealing, abuse of office and organised extortion operations within Rivers State and surrounding areas.
According to the police, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to identify and remove criminal elements within the institution, regardless of rank or position.
Investigations into one of the cases uncovered an alleged criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa. The officers identified were Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
Police authorities alleged that the officers engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping and extortion while conducting illegal patrol operations within Port Harcourt.
The suspects were accused of abducting victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forcing them to surrender access to their banking and cryptocurrency applications before extorting millions of naira.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the three officers, while three other suspects — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — were declared wanted and remain at large.
The police said investigators recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the illegal operations, as well as ₦7.33 million traced to the criminal activities.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicated that the syndicate operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against residents within Rivers State.
In a separate case, the Force said another criminal network involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, was uncovered.
The officers identified were Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
The police accused the officers of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing and official corruption carried out under the guise of legitimate patrol operations.
Authorities alleged that the dismissed officers routinely abducted members of the public, extorted money through unlawful transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and dispossessed them of valuables.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from service, while their case files were forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and related offences.
The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office and human rights violations through official complaint channels.
The Force reiterated its commitment to transparent, accountable and professional policing anchored on the rule of law and protection of citizens’ rights
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