The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has fired five inspectors for “acts of kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and official corruption”.
The spokesman of the Force, Anthony Placid, in a statement on Thursday, said the disgraced officers were with the department of operations of the Rivers state police command.
The corrupt officers were found to have routinely kidnapped innocent citizens, extorted money through unlawful transfers from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and dispossessed them of valuables while operating under the guise of official patrol duties.
While terming them a “criminal syndicate”, the officers were named as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.
“Consequently, the five implicated officers were subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while the case file has been forwarded for prosecution on charges bordering on conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, official corruption, and related offences,” the statement reads.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, abuse of office, extortion, and human rights violations through established complaint channels for prompt investigation and action.”
Speaking further, the police image maker said investigations also revealed a criminal group involving six police officers attached to the Zone 16 headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, who allegedly carried out armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion while running illegal patrols in Port Harcourt.
The officers were said to have abducted victims during illegal stop-and-search operations, forced them to open their banking and cryptocurrency apps, and extorted millions of naira from them.
Three of the officers have been arrested, while three other suspects are still on the run.
“Exhibits recovered include three Toyota Sienna buses used for the illegal operations and the sum of ₦7,338,800.00 traced to the criminal activities,” Placid said.
“Findings further revealed that the suspects operated with firearms and had allegedly carried out similar operations against unsuspecting members of the public within Rivers State.
“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force. The leadership of the Force under the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, remains resolute in its determination to identify, expose, and remove criminal elements from within the institution, irrespective of rank or position.”
Placid added that the NPF remains committed to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system firmly rooted in the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.
