The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and prosecuted multiple officers uncovered as members of deeply entrenched criminal syndicates accused of kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and abuse of office in Rivers State.

The development has raised fresh concerns about the extent of internal compromise within the nation’s policing system.

The Force said the cases represent a severe breach of trust, with serving officers allegedly turning routine patrol duties into opportunities for abduction, theft and large scale financial extortion from unsuspecting members of the public.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, one of the most alarming cases involved officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

They are alleged to have operated illegal patrols in Port Harcourt, during which victims were unlawfully stopped, abducted and coerced into granting access to their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets.

Millions of naira were reportedly siphoned from victims in the course of these operations.

Three inspectors identified as Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus have been arrested in connection with the scheme.

However, three alleged accomplices, Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa, are currently at large.

The Force says recovered exhibits include three Toyota Sienna vehicles allegedly used for the operations, alongside N7,338,800 traced to proceeds of the crimes.

In a separate but related investigation within the Rivers State Command, another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations were found to have allegedly run a parallel criminal network involving kidnapping, extortion, theft and official corruption.

Victims were reportedly abducted, stripped of valuables and forced into making unlawful transfers from their accounts under duress.

Those implicated include Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.

They have since been subjected to orderly room proceedings and dismissed from service, while their case files have been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping and corruption.

The scale and coordination of the allegations have intensified public concern over the risk posed to citizens who, rather than being protected, were allegedly exposed to predatory abuse by individuals operating under the authority of law enforcement.

The fact that some suspects remain at large has further fuelled scrutiny of the initial response and enforcement process, raising questions about the completeness of the net cast around those involved.

Police authorities said the ongoing disciplinary actions form part of a wider internal cleansing exercise aimed at restoring discipline, accountability and professionalism within the Force.

The public have been urged to continue reporting misconduct and abuse of office through official complaint channels to support ongoing investigations and reforms.