Five inspectors dismissed over kidnapping, robbery claims
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed five inspectors following findings that linked them to kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and official corruption in Rivers State.
The officers, who were attached to the Department of Operations patrol team in Port Harcourt, were found to have engaged in repeated criminal activities targeting residents across the state. Police authorities said investigations confirmed a pattern in which the officers intercepted civilians during illegal stop-and-search operations.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the misconduct was uncovered after petitions were submitted on behalf of victims to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in Zone 16, Yenagoa. The complaints prompted an investigation which established a prima facie case against the officers.
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Police findings showed that the suspects operated in minibuses and used intimidation to force victims to reveal sensitive banking details, including PINs. Funds were then transferred from victims’ bank and cryptocurrency accounts without consent.
The incidents were reported to have taken place between September 2025 and January 2026 at different locations in Rivers State. In some cases, victims were abducted at gunpoint, while cash, valuables and digital assets were taken.
Among the reported cases, one victim was forced to surrender funds exceeding ₦3.6m, including the equivalent of 4,000 dollars, while another lost over ₦7.3m in cash and valuables. A third victim had ₦1.5m withdrawn from his account after being coerced to disclose his ATM details.
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Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed with immediate effect. Their case file has been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and formal charges are expected to be filed within 30 days.
The police said the actions of the dismissed officers were a serious breach of public trust and do not reflect the standards of the Force.
