Police dismiss officers over kidnapping, robbery in rivers

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested, and initiated prosecution against several officers accused of involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

The development was announced in a statement shared on the Force’s official platform on May 14, 2026.

According to the statement, the implicated officers were connected to offences including conspiracy, theft, abuse of office, and other unlawful operations carried out within Rivers State and surrounding areas.

Investigations revealed the existence of a syndicate involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

Those identified include Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.

The Force alleged that the officers conducted illegal stop and search operations in Port Harcourt, during which victims were reportedly abducted and coerced into transferring money from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Three additional officers, Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.

Authorities also recovered three Toyota Sienna buses believed to have been used in the operations, along with ₦7,338,800 suspected to be proceeds from the crimes.

In a separate case, another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, was linked to allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

Those identified, Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu have been dismissed following internal disciplinary proceedings, with their cases forwarded for prosecution.

“The leadership of the Force under the Inspector General of Police remains resolute in its determination to identify, expose, and remove criminal elements from within the institution,” the statement added.