The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, arrested and begun prosecution of several police officers allegedly involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.
The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the official page of the police force on May 14, 2026.
According to the statement, the affected officers were linked to serious criminal activities including conspiracy, stealing, abuse of office and unlawful operations allegedly carried out within Rivers State and nearby areas.
The police said investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving officers attached to the Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.
The officers identified in the case are Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus.
According to the police, the officers allegedly carried out illegal stop-and-search operations around Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, where victims were reportedly abducted and forced to transfer money from their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly used their positions as police officers to intimidate victims and carry out the operations without attracting suspicion.
The statement further disclosed that three other officers linked to the case are currently on the run.
The fleeing officers were identified as Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
During investigations, security operatives reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used by the officers for their illegal operations.
Authorities also recovered the sum of N7,338,800 believed to be proceeds connected to the alleged crimes.
The force said the officers would face prosecution in court after the completion of investigations.
In another related development, the police also uncovered a separate group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Police Command over allegations of kidnapping, extortion and official corruption.
The officers identified in the second case are Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.
According to the police authorities, the officers have already been dismissed from service following internal disciplinary proceedings.
The matter has also been 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 police statement said.
The latest development has again drawn attention to longstanding concerns about corruption and criminal activities involving some police officers in Nigeria.
For years, members of the public and human rights groups have accused some officers of abuse of power, extortion, unlawful detention and violent conduct.
Cases involving illegal stop-and-search operations have especially remained controversial across the country.
Many Nigerians have repeatedly complained about officers allegedly setting up roadblocks and checkpoints to extort money from motorists and residents.
The issue became one of the major triggers of the nationwide #EndSARS protests in 2020, when young Nigerians took to the streets to demand an end to police brutality, extortion and misconduct.
The protests focused mainly on the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, widely known as SARS, which had been accused of torture, illegal arrests and harassment of young Nigerians, especially those carrying laptops, smartphones or involved in cryptocurrency trading.
Although the Federal Government later dissolved SARS and promised wide-ranging police reforms, allegations of extortion and abuse against some officers have continued to surface in different parts of the country.
The mention of cryptocurrency-related extortion in the Rivers case has also raised fresh concerns among young Nigerians and technology professionals.
Over the past few years, some crypto traders and young entrepreneurs have complained about being targeted by security operatives because of their involvement in digital assets and online businesses.
Rights groups have repeatedly warned that profiling citizens based on appearance, gadgets or online activities damages trust in law enforcement.
Since assuming office, the Inspector-General of Police has repeatedly promised to improve professionalism, discipline and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
The police leadership has also introduced several internal monitoring mechanisms and disciplinary measures aimed at restoring public confidence.
However, many Nigerians still believe deeper reforms are needed to address structural problems affecting the force, including poor welfare, inadequate training and lack of accountability.
In Rivers State, concerns over security and police conduct remain sensitive issues due to the state’s history of cult violence, armed robbery, kidnapping and political tension.
Port Harcourt, the state capital, is one of Nigeria’s major commercial cities because of its connection to the oil and gas industry. The city attracts business activities, workers and investors from different parts of the country.
Because of its economic importance, security operations in Rivers State are often intense, especially around major roads, business districts and oil-producing communities.
However, rights organisations have frequently called on security agencies in the state to ensure that anti-crime operations do not violate the rights of citizens.
They also noted that accountability within the police force is important in strengthening confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Some residents of Rivers State who reacted to the development described the allegations against the officers as disturbing, especially because police officers are expected to protect lives and property rather than engage in criminal activities.
Others commended the police authorities for taking disciplinary action instead of covering up the allegations.
Human rights advocates have also called for compensation and justice for victims allegedly affected by the officers’ actions.
Meanwhile, the police have assured Nigerians that investigations into the cases are continuing and that more arrests may follow.
The force also reiterated its commitment to sanitising the institution and removing officers whose conduct undermines public trust and the image of the police.
For many Nigerians, the latest development serves as another reminder of the urgent need for continuous reforms within the police system.