The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five police inspectors following allegations linking them to armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy across parts of the state.
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, confirmed the development in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday through the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe.
According to the statement, the affected officers — identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu — were attached to the Department of Operations before their dismissal.
Police authorities said the officers were implicated in a pattern of criminal activities allegedly carried out between September 2025 and January 2026.
Investigations reportedly followed complaints submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, which acted on behalf of multiple victims.
The probe revealed that the officers allegedly carried out illegal stop-and-search operations using minibuses, during which they reportedly arrested victims at gunpoint and dispossessed them of valuables.
They were also accused of compelling victims to disclose bank account information and transfer funds directly from their accounts.
Security sources further alleged that the group posed as operatives of the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa to avoid suspicion while carrying out their activities.
One of the incidents under investigation involved the alleged abduction of a man along Aba Road, from whom over N3.6 million and 4,000 dollars in cryptocurrency assets were reportedly taken.
Another victim was said to have lost over N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third reportedly lost N1.5 million during an interception along NTA Road.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the officers were found culpable in an orderly room trial and subsequently dismissed with immediate effect.
The police also stated that a prima facie case of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and corruption has been established against them.
The case file has since been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for further legal action, with formal charges expected to follow within 30 days.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professional conduct within the Force, stressing that misconduct would not be tolerated.
