The Rivers Police Command has dismissed five inspectors from the Department of Operations for their involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and conspiracy.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, made the announcement in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.
Placid stated that between September 2025 and January 2026, the cops engaged in a pattern of unlawful activity throughout the state.
According to the force spokesman, the sacked officers are John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.
According to him, the matter came to light as a result of petitions filed by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several victims.
He explained that the officers allegedly drove minibuses and conducted illegal stop-and-search operations, intercepting unsuspecting members of the public at gunpoint.
“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking passwords 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.
He claimed that investigations revealed that the syndicate allegedly kidnapped a male victim along Aba Road and forcibly removed over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars from his cryptocurrency wallet.
Another victim, he added, was allegedly kidnapped and robbed of about N7.3 million in cash and goods, while a third victim reportedly lost N1.5 million after being apprehended on NTA Road.
“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.
The police spokesman also stated that the case file had been transferred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and that official charges were likely to be filed within 30 days.
He emphasized the police’s commitment to professionalism, responsibility, transparency, and the preservation of citizens’ rights.
