The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five police inspectors attached to the Department of Operations in Rivers State over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy.
The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu. According to police authorities, the officers were implicated in a series of criminal activities carried out between September 2025 and January 2026 across Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe. The force’s national spokesman, Anthony Placid, said investigations began after petitions were submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of several victims.
Police authorities alleged that the officers operated in minibuses and conducted illegal stop-and-search operations, during which unsuspecting residents were allegedly intercepted at gunpoint and forced to disclose banking details and passcodes.
According to the police, the officers also allegedly posed as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion during their operations.
Investigators further alleged that the dismissed officers abducted a victim along Aba Road and forcibly transferred N3.6 million alongside $4,000 from the victim’s cryptocurrency wallet. Another victim reportedly lost more than N7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim allegedly lost N1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.
Following their arrest, the officers underwent orderly room proceedings, where they were found culpable of the allegations. The police subsequently dismissed them from service with immediate effect.
Police authorities said a prima facie case involving conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion had been established against the dismissed officers. The case file has reportedly been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, while formal charges are expected within 30 days.
The police reiterated their commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights across the country.
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