The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal, arrest, and prosecution of several police officers accused of involvement in serious criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office in Rivers State and surrounding areas.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on May 14, 2026.
According to the statement, the police authorities described the actions of the affected officers as a serious violation of the ethics, professionalism, and core values expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. The Force leadership, under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed its commitment to cleansing the institution of criminal elements regardless of rank or position.
The police explained that ongoing internal investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The officers identified include Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis, and Inspector Olayemi Titus.
Investigators alleged that the officers carried out illegal patrol operations around Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where they reportedly engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion targeting unsuspecting residents.
According to the findings, the officers allegedly abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations and forced them to grant access to their mobile banking and cryptocurrency applications. The victims were then reportedly compelled to transfer large sums of money to accounts linked to the suspects.
Police authorities confirmed that the three officers have been arrested, while three additional accomplices identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
During the investigation, security operatives reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used by the syndicate for their operations. The police also traced and recovered ₦7,338,800 believed to be proceeds from the criminal activities.
The Force further stated that preliminary findings indicated that the suspects operated with firearms and may have carried out similar illegal operations against several residents within Rivers State.
In another related investigation, the police uncovered a separate criminal network involving officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Police Command. The officers named in the case are Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.
According to the police, the officers allegedly participated in organised acts of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption while carrying out patrol duties.
Investigators said the dismissed officers routinely abducted members of the public, confiscated valuables, and allegedly forced victims to transfer money from their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets under intimidation.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings known as orderly room trials, the five officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. Authorities also confirmed that the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences.
The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations through official complaint channels to ensure prompt investigation and disciplinary action.
The Force also reiterated its commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and professional policing system rooted in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights across the country.
