The Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations over their alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and criminal conspiracy, in a case that has triggered outrage across the state.
The dismissed officers were identified as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu. According to police authorities, the officers were accused of operating a criminal network that allegedly terrorised residents between September 2025 and January 2026 through illegal stop-and-search operations and violent extortion activities.
The development was confirmed in Port Harcourt through a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, on behalf of the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid.
Police authorities disclosed that the case came to light after multiple petitions were submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of victims who accused the officers of carrying out organised criminal acts while still serving in the police force.
According to the police, investigations revealed that the dismissed inspectors allegedly moved around in minibuses, mounted illegal roadblocks and intercepted unsuspecting victims at gunpoint across different parts of Rivers State.
Authorities alleged that the officers forced victims to surrender sensitive banking details, including account information and mobile banking passcodes, before allegedly transferring funds directly from the victims’ accounts into other accounts controlled by the syndicate.
Police investigators further stated that the officers allegedly disguised themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa in order to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion during operations.
The statement also revealed that one male victim was allegedly abducted along Aba Road where he was reportedly forced to surrender over ₦3.6 million alongside $4,000 from his cryptocurrency wallet before regaining freedom.
Another victim was allegedly kidnapped and dispossessed of over ₦7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a separate victim reportedly lost more than ₦1.5 million after being intercepted around the NTA Road axis of Port Harcourt.
Police authorities explained that after the suspects were arrested, an internal orderly room trial found them guilty of serious misconduct and criminal activities, leading to their immediate dismissal from the force.
Police authorities explained that after the suspects were arrested, an internal orderly room trial found them guilty of serious misconduct and criminal activities, leading to their immediate dismissal from the force.
Authorities further disclosed that the case file has already been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, while formal criminal charges are expected to be filed against the dismissed officers within 30 days.
The Rivers State Police Command stressed that the force remains committed to professionalism, accountability, transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights, insisting that officers found involved in criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.
