The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered two major criminal syndicates involving serving and dismissed police officers accused of engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and other serious offences across the state.
Addressing journalists at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt on Friday, May 15 2026, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid disclosed that the cases were uncovered through intelligence-led investigations targeting misconduct within the Force.
According to him, the implicated officers abused their authority and engaged in activities “entirely inconsistent with the ethics, professionalism, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.”
In the first case, six serving police officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, were accused of operating an illegal patrol and extortion syndicate within Rivers State.
The investigation followed a complaint filed on February 3, 2026, by one Festus Saturday, who alleged that he was abducted and robbed by armed officers along Igbo-Etche Road in Port Harcourt.
Police findings revealed that the incident occurred on November 3, 2025, when the victim was intercepted while driving a Lexus RX 350. Despite no incriminating evidence found during a search, the officers reportedly assaulted him, forced him to unlock his mobile phones, and gained access to his banking and cryptocurrency accounts.
The victim and his cousin were subsequently taken to an undisclosed location, where a total of ₦7,338,800 comprising ₦4.5 million from his bank account and $1,742 from his cryptocurrency wallet was allegedly transferred by the suspects.
Further investigations showed the officers were armed with AK-47 rifles and had carried out similar operations on multiple victims across the state.
Three of the suspects have been arrested and are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, while three others remain at large. Police authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing officers.
In a related development, five officers attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team have been dismissed from service over their involvement in a separate but similar criminal enterprise.
The case came to light following petitions submitted by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 Headquarters.
Investigations revealed that the dismissed officers routinely conducted illegal stop-and-search operations, during which they allegedly abducted victims, forced them to disclose banking details, and transferred funds from their accounts.
Among the victims were Mr. Felix Favour, who lost over ₦3.6 million; Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, who was dispossessed of cash and valuables worth over ₦7.3 million; and John Godstime, who was robbed of ₦1.5 million.
Following orderly room proceedings, all five officers were dismissed with immediate effect. The police confirmed that their case files have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with charges expected to be filed within 30 days.
DCP Placid described the actions of the officers as a “grave betrayal of public trust,” stressing that such conduct would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights, noting that the ongoing reforms under the Inspector-General of Police aim to restore public confidence in the Force.
The Command also urged members of the public to report cases of police misconduct through its control room, complaint units, and official online platforms, assuring that all reports would be treated with confidentiality and prompt attention.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professional, lawful, and citizen-centred policing,” he stated.