Police in Edo State has dismissed five serving officers and demoted another following investigations into their involvement in a criminal network accused of kidnapping residents and extorting money from victims in Benin City.
The Command said the disciplinary measures followed an extensive investigation into repeated complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion allegedly carried out by individuals posing as police officers along the Temboga axis, off Aduwawa, in Benin City.
The police image maker in the state, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
She said investigations uncovered an organised syndicate comprising serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators who allegedly preyed on unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the statement, victims were reportedly intercepted on the road and forced into commercial buses under the pretext of legitimate police operations.
They were then driven around different parts of Benin City, where they were allegedly intimidated and compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before being released.
Ikoedem said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, arrested members of the suspected syndicate on April 13, 2026.
She added that more than 11 victims had positively identified members of the group, while investigations were continuing as more complainants came forward with similar allegations.
Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubari Wisdom ( attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant over his alleged role in the case.
The Command also announced the dismissal of five other police officers from the Nigeria Police Force.
Ikoedem said the sanctions were in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police aimed at eliminating misconduct and criminality within the Force.
She quoted the Inspector-General’s position that “the era of impunity is over.”
The police spokesperson warned Point-of-Sale operators and members of the public against assisting criminal activities, stressing that anyone found aiding extortion or laundering proceeds of crime would be arrested and prosecuted.
She also commended victims who reported the incidents, noting that their cooperation played a key role in exposing the alleged criminal network.
Ikoedem urged other victims and members of the public with relevant information to come forward to support the ongoing prosecution of those involved.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to every police officer across the country. The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any abuse of office, corruption, extortion, or criminality within its ranks. Any officer who betrays the public trust will be identified, investigated, dismissed where appropriate, and prosecuted,” she said.
While reiterating the Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, Ikoedem stated that officers who uphold the ethics and values of policing would continue to be recognised and rewarded, while those found engaging in criminal conduct would face appropriate sanctions, including dismissal and prosecution.
