Police dismiss 8 officers allegedly involved in armed robbery, kidnapping
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and arrested several officers for their involvement in serious criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption in Rivers State.
The Force, under Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the actions demonstrate its zero-tolerance stance against criminal elements within the institution.
In the first case, three serving officers attached to Zone 16 headquarters, Yenagoa — Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis, and Inspector Olayemi Titus — were arrested for allegedly operating an armed robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Port Harcourt.
The officers reportedly used illegal patrols and stop-and-search operations to abduct victims, force access to their bank and cryptocurrency accounts, and extort millions of naira. Three other accomplices — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are said to be currently at large.
Items recovered from the syndicate include three Toyota Sienna buses and the sum of ₦7,338,800.
In a separate operation, five officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations, Rivers State Command — Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu, and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu were dismissed after orderly room proceedings. They were accused of organised kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and corruption. The case file has been forwarded for criminal prosecution.
The Police described the actions of the dismissed and arrested officers as “a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct, extortion, and human rights violations through official channels.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to building a professional, accountable, and service-driven institution rooted in the rule of law.
