The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five inspectors over their alleged involvement in a criminal syndicate linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official misconduct.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, said the officers were dismissed following investigations into multiple petitions alleging serious abuses of office.
According to him, the officers operated a coordinated criminal network in which they allegedly used patrol vehicles to intercept unsuspecting members of the public.
“The officers allegedly operated in minibuses and Sienna vehicles, intercepted victims during illegal stop-and-search operations, and forced them to disclose banking details before transferring money from their accounts,” the statement said.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate was active between September 2025 and January 2026 across several parts of Rivers State.
The police said the misconduct involved conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and abuse of office, describing the actions as a gross betrayal of public trust.
The case was reportedly uncovered following petitions submitted by a human rights group, which detailed multiple complaints from victims of the alleged operations.
Recovered exhibits reportedly include operational vehicles used in the criminal activities, while millions of naira traced to the syndicate were also recovered during investigations.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, while their case files have been forwarded for prosecution.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to internal discipline and vowed to continue cleansing the Force of criminal elements.