POLICE SHAKE-UP: Five inspectors dismissed over ‘kidnapping, armed robbery, N12m extortion ring’

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors in Rivers State and launched a manhunt for three others following investigations into a criminal syndicate within the force involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and the extortion of millions from citizens.

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors attached to the Department of Operations (DOPS) Patrol Team in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following their alleged involvement in a series of violent crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and official corruption. The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, announced the dismissal on Thursday, May 14, 2026, identifying the former officers as John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu. The dismissal follows a harrowing investigation into a pattern of misconduct where the officers, operating in minibuses, conducted illegal stop-and-search operations to abduct citizens and forcefully empty their bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

According to police findings sparked by petitions from the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, the syndicate operated across Rivers State between September 2025 and January 2026, often impersonating operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters to intimidate their targets. High-profile victims included Felix Favour, who was robbed of over N3.6 million in cash and cryptocurrency at gunpoint, and Okparaocha David Ugochukwu, who lost N7.3 million in cash and luxury valuables. “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,” DCP Placid disclosed.

In addition to the five dismissals, the police revealed that six other officers are linked to a separate February 2026 incident involving the abduction of a victim and the theft of N7.3 million. While three of those officers are currently undergoing internal disciplinary proceedings, a manhunt has been launched for three others who are currently at large. The Force confirmed that the case files for the dismissed inspectors have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), with formal criminal charges expected within 30 days. “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state clearly that the actions of these officers 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,” the statement concluded.

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