Rivers Police Scandal Deepens as Officers Linked to Kidnapping and Secret Extortion Ring

(Nigeria Police Photo Credit: Daily Post)

The Nigeria Police Force has taken decisive action against some of its own officers in Rivers State, announcing their dismissal, arrest, and prosecution following allegations of serious crimes including kidnapping, armed robbery, and extortion.

The announcement was made via the Force's official platform on May 14, 2026, revealing that the officers in question had been linked to a range of offences such as conspiracy, theft, abuse of office, and unauthorized operations across Rivers State and neighboring areas.

In the first case, investigators uncovered a criminal network involving three officers from Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus.

These officers allegedly conducted illegal roadblocks in Port Harcourt, during which unsuspecting victims were reportedly seized and coerced into transferring funds from both their conventional bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.

Three other officers linked to the same operation Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa are still on the run. Authorities recovered three Toyota Sienna vehicles and over ₦7.3 million believed to be proceeds from these criminal activities.

In a second related case, another set of officers formerly serving in the Rivers State Command's Department of Operations were found culpable of kidnapping, extortion, and corruption.

Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu were dismissed following internal disciplinary proceedings and their cases referred for prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police reaffirmed the Force's commitment to rooting out bad actors from within its ranks and restoring public trust in the institution.