Police Crackdown Exposes Deepening Concern Over Rogue Officers In Rivers
As public scrutiny over policing and accountability intensifies in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has launched one of its strongest internal crackdowns in recent times, exposing alleged criminal networks involving serving officers in Rivers State and dismissing personnel accused of turning official duties into organised crime operations.
In a sweeping operation aimed at restoring public trust and sanitising the institution, the Force confirmed the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of several officers linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, official corruption and abuse of office.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations, Anthony Okon Placid, described the actions of the implicated officers as a grave betrayal of the ethics and professional standards expected of police personnel, stressing that the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, remains committed to rooting out criminal elements within the system.
One strand of the investigation uncovered a criminal syndicate allegedly involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa.
The officers, Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus, were accused of operating illegal patrols in Port Harcourt where victims were allegedly abducted during unlawful stop-and-search operations.
According to police findings, the victims were reportedly forced to surrender access to their bank and cryptocurrency applications, leading to the extortion of millions of naira.
The three officers have since been arrested, while Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
Police authorities said exhibits recovered from the operation included three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the criminal activities, as well as N7.3 million traced to the syndicate.
In a separate but related investigation, the Force uncovered another alleged criminal network involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command.
Those implicated include Inspector John Okoi, I isnspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.
The officers were accused of engaging in organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing and official corruption while disguising their activities as legitimate patrol operations. Investigators alleged that victims were routinely abducted, dispossessed of valuables and forced into unlawful financial transfers from both bank and cryptocurrency accounts.
Following orderly room proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while their case files have been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and related offences.
The Force reiterated that no officer found culpable would be protected regardless of rank or position, adding that the ongoing reforms are designed to strengthen professionalism, transparency and accountability within the institution.
Members of the public were also encouraged to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, extortion and human rights violations through official complaint channels.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp:Savinews Africa Channel