The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed five inspectors attached to its Department of Operations over allegations of involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and conspiracy.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday and released by the command’s spokesperson, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe.

Placid said the officers were found to have engaged in a pattern of criminal activities across the state between September 2025 and January 2026.

The dismissed personnel were identified as Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu.

According to him, the case came to the attention of the command following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.

He stated that the officers allegedly operated using minibuses, mounting illegal stop-and-search operations during which unsuspecting members of the public were intercepted at gunpoint.

“The officers forced victims to disclose their banking passcodes and account details and subsequently transferred funds from their bank accounts,” Placid said. “They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade detection.”

He further disclosed that investigations revealed the syndicate allegedly abducted a male victim along Aba Road, dispossessing him of over ₦3.6 million and $4,000 from his cryptocurrency wallet.

In another incident, a second victim was reportedly abducted and robbed of over ₦7.3 million in cash and valuables, while a third victim allegedly lost about ₦1.5 million after being intercepted along NTA Road.

Placid said that following their arrest, the officers were subjected to an orderly room trial, where they were found culpable. He added that they were subsequently dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect.

He noted that a prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption, and extortion had been established against the dismissed officers.

The police spokesperson further stated that the case file had been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice, adding that formal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.

Placid reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights.