The Nigeria Police Force has announced the dismissal, arrest and prosecution of several officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement published on the official platform of the Nigeria Police Force on May 14, 2026.
According to the statement, the affected officers were linked to cases involving conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and unlawful operations carried out within Rivers State and neighbouring areas.
Police investigations reportedly uncovered a syndicate involving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, identified as 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 compelled to transfer funds from their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
The statement further disclosed that three other officers identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are currently on the run.
Investigators reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside N7,338,800 said to be connected to the criminal activities.
In a separate incident, the Force also identified another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command, over alleged involvement in kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The officers, identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu, were dismissed following internal disciplinary proceedings, while the case was 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 read.
