The Nigeria Police Force, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DCP), Anthony Okon Placid, has disclosed in detail the reasons behind the sacking of some police officers attached to the Rivers State Police Command.
According to him, these officers were involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and other criminal activities across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the command uncovered the alleged crimes through “intelligence-led investigations into serious criminal misconduct involving both serving and dismissed police personnel operating within Rivers State and other parts of the country.”
He said the officers involved “abused the authority entrusted to them by engaging in conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption,” describing the acts as “entirely inconsistent with the ethics, professionalism, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.”
According to the police spokesman, investigations led to the exposure of “criminal networks, effected arrests, recovered exhibits, and initiated both disciplinary and criminal proceedings against all persons found culpable.”
In the first case presented, the command accused six serving police officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, of operating an illegal patrol and extortion syndicate within Rivers State.
Placid said the matter began after one Festus Saturday lodged a complaint on February 3, 2026, alleging that he was unlawfully intercepted, abducted, and robbed by armed policemen posing as stop-and-search officers along Igbo Etche Road in Port Harcourt.
Investigators reportedly discovered that on November 3, 2025, the complainant and his cousin were travelling in a Lexus RX 350 when they were stopped by a six-man police team operating from a Toyota Sienna bus.
“No incriminating item was found during the search. Despite this, the officers detained and assaulted the complainant, compelled him to unlock his mobile phones, and proceeded to access his banking and cryptocurrency applications,” Placid said.
The police alleged that the officers abducted the victims to an undisclosed location where N4.5 million was transferred from the complainant’s OPay account, while an additional 1,742 dollars was taken from his cryptocurrency wallet.
According to the command, the total value of funds allegedly stolen amounted to N7,338,800, including the foreign currency equivalent.
The police further alleged that the suspects operated with AK-47 rifles and had engaged in similar criminal acts against several unsuspecting residents across Rivers State.
Those arrested in connection with the case were identified as Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus. Three others, Inspectors Awele Ogbogu, Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa, were declared at large.
Police said three Toyota Sienna space buses allegedly used in the operations were recovered, along with N7,338,800.
“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping has been established against all six suspects,” Placid stated, adding that the arrested officers were undergoing orderly room proceedings and would be charged in court, while efforts continued to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In the second case, the command said five officers attached to the Department of Operations Patrol Team in Rivers State were dismissed after investigations linked them to conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing, and extortion.
According to the police, the investigation followed petitions submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.
The command alleged that the officers, armed and operating in minibuses, routinely intercepted residents during illegal stop-and-search operations, coercing victims into revealing their banking PINs and account details before transferring funds from their accounts.
Police said the incidents occurred between September 2025 and January 2026 across different parts of Rivers State, with the suspects allegedly presenting themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters to intimidate victims.
Among the victims listed by the police were Felix Favour, who was allegedly abducted along Aba Road and dispossessed of over N3.6 million, including cryptocurrency valued at 4,000 dollars; Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, who allegedly lost cash, gold jewellery, and a wristwatch valued at over N7.3 million; and John Godstime, whose account was allegedly drained of N1.5 million after being abducted along NTA Road.
The dismissed officers were identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.
Placid said all five officers had been dismissed from the force with immediate effect following orderly room proceedings.
“A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption, and extortion has been established against each of them,” he said.
He added that the case file had been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and that charges were expected to be filed within 30 days.
The police spokesman stressed that the actions of the officers represented “a grave betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of Rivers State and the nation at large.”
“They do not reflect the values, standards, or professional conduct expected of members of this Force,” he added.
Placid said that under the leadership of Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the command remained committed to “accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights, irrespective of the rank or position of those found wanting.”
He also urged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, and human rights violations through official complaint channels, assuring that all verified reports would receive “strict confidentiality and prompt action.”
