The Rivers State Police Command has terminated the service of five inspectors from the Department of Operations following allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and conspiracy.
DCP Anthony Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The dismissed officers—John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu—were reportedly involved in a series of criminal activities between September 2025 and January 2026 across the state.
Investigations were triggered after complaints were lodged by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, representing multiple victims. The officers allegedly used minibuses to conduct illegal stop-and-search operations, intercepting civilians at gunpoint.
“The officers allegedly coerced victims into revealing banking details and PINs, transferring money without consent. They reportedly impersonated operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, to intimidate victims and avoid detection,” Placid explained.
In one case, a victim along Aba Road was kidnapped and deprived of over ₦3.6 million and $4,000 in cryptocurrency. Another person lost ₦7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim on NTA Road reportedly had ₦1.5 million stolen.
Following their arrest, the five officers were subjected to an orderly room proceeding found culpable, and dismissed with immediate effect. The case files have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with formal charges expected within 30 days.
The police reiterated their commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights, stressing that illegal conduct by officers will not be tolerated.
