The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, over alleged involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and official corruption.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

He identified the dismissed officers as Inspector John Okoi, Inspector Eyibo Asuquo, Inspector Udo Ndipmong, Inspector Bright Nwachukwu and Inspector Anele Ikechukwu.

Placid said a prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption and extortion had been established against the officers, adding that the case file had been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with charges expected to be filed within 30 days.

He further disclosed that six other officers from the command were linked to a separate case of conspiracy, armed robbery and kidnapping after allegedly abducting a victim in Port Harcourt in February 2026 and forcefully withdrawing N7,338,800 from the victim’s account.

He said three arrested officers are currently undergoing orderly room proceedings and would be charged to court, while security operatives have launched a manhunt for the three fleeing suspects.

He said: “This case relates to a pattern of criminal conduct perpetrated by officers attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team, Rivers State Police Command, Port Harcourt.

“The misconduct came to light through petitions submitted to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, by the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation on behalf of multiple victims.

“Findings of investigation established that the suspects, while armed and operating in minibuses, routinely intercepted unsuspecting citizens during illegal stop-and-search operations.

“Victims were coerced into revealing their banking PINs and account details, after which funds were unlawfully transferred from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

“The criminal activities occurred on separate occasions between September 2025 and January 2026 at multiple locations across Rivers State. Suspects falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, in order to intimidate victims and evade suspicion.

“Mr. Felix Favour, abducted at gunpoint along Aba Road, funds forcibly taken from cryptocurrency wallet and bank account NGN 3,605,000+ (incl. USD 4,000 equiv.); Mr. Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, abducted, cash extorted, gold jewellery and wristwatch stolen NGN 7,300,000+ (cash and valuables); Mr. John Godstime, abducted along NTA Road, ATM details obtained by force, account drained NGN1,500,000.00

“No. AP Number Rank Name Sex Age Status 1 AP/NO. 304883 Inspector John Okoi M 35 DISMISSED 2 AP/NO. 305575 Inspector Eyibo Asuquo M 41 DISMISSED 3 AP/NO. 386735 Inspector Udo Ndipmong M 38 DISMISSED 4 AP/NO. 334605 Inspector Bright Nwachukwu M 43 DISMISSED 5 AP/NO. 357283 Inspector Anele Ikechukwu M 36 DISMISSED

Status and Next Steps.

“Following orderly room proceedings, all five officers have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect. A prima facie case of conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, official corruption, and extortion has been established against each of them.

“The case file has been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, with charges expected to be filed within 30 days.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that the actions of these officers (both those dismissed and those awaiting prosecution) represent a grave betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people of Rivers State and the nation at large.

“They do not reflect the values, standards, or professional conduct expected of members of this Force.” he said. (Daily Trust)

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