The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five inspectors after allegations linked them to kidnapping, robbery, and extortion operations in Port Harcourt.
According to the Nigeria Police Force, the affected officers were attached to the Department of Operations Patrol Team in Rivers State.
However, investigators allegedly uncovered a disturbing pattern of criminal activities carried out against residents across different parts of the state.
The dismissed officers were identified as Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu. Authorities said they were found guilty after an orderly room trial conducted by the Force.
Meanwhile, the Rivers police scandal has raised concerns about abuse of power within some security formations. The police also confirmed that six other officers are being investigated in a separate case involving kidnapping and illegal withdrawals from a victim’s account.
Speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, explained that strong evidence had already been established against the dismissed officers.
He said: “This case relates to a pattern of criminal conduct perpetrated by officers attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team, Rivers State Police Command, Port Harcourt.”
According to him, the investigation began after petitions were submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several victims.
Furthermore, Placid alleged that the officers used illegal stop-and-search operations to target unsuspecting residents. Victims were reportedly forced to reveal their bank details and ATM PINs during the operations.
He added that funds were later withdrawn from victims’ bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
“Findings of investigation established that the suspects, while armed and operating in minibuses, routinely intercepted unsuspecting citizens during illegal stop-and-search operations,” he stated.
The police spokesperson also revealed details of some reported incidents linked to the dismissed officers.
One victim, identified as Mr. Felix Favour, was allegedly abducted at gunpoint along Aba Road. Authorities claimed more than N3.6 million was forcefully taken from his account and cryptocurrency wallet.
In addition, another victim, Mr. Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, reportedly lost cash, jewellery, and valuables worth over N7.3 million during the attack.
Meanwhile, Mr. John Godstime allegedly had N1.5 million withdrawn from his account after his ATM details were obtained by force along NTA Road.
The Rivers police scandal deepened further after authorities disclosed another alleged kidnapping case involving six officers.
According to the police, the suspects abducted a resident in February 2026 and forcefully withdrew N7,338,800 from the victim’s account.
Three officers have already been arrested and are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings.
However, security operatives are still searching for three others who reportedly fled.
Placid stressed that the dismissed officers had betrayed public trust and damaged the image of the Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that the actions of these officers represent a grave betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of Rivers State and the nation at large,” he said.
Moreover, he confirmed that the case file had already been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.
