By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations Patrol Team in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and official corruption.
The disciplinary action was announced on May 15, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, who said investigations established a prima facie case against the officers following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.
The dismissed officers were identified as Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.
According to police authorities, the officers allegedly operated illegal stop-and-search operations while armed and moving in minibuses across Rivers State between September 2025 and January 2026.
Investigators alleged that victims were abducted at gunpoint, forced to surrender banking details and cryptocurrency account information, after which money was unlawfully transferred from their accounts.
Some victims also reportedly lost valuables including jewellery and wristwatches during the operations.
The police said the officers falsely presented themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa to intimidate victims and avoid suspicion.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the officers were dismissed with immediate effect, while the case file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for possible criminal prosecution within 30 days.
The Nigeria Police Force described the conduct of the officers as a “grave betrayal” of public trust, insisting that the actions do not reflect the professional standards expected within the force.
Leave a Reply