The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed several officers accused of involvement in kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

The force said the action is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, accountability and internal reforms within the police system.

In a statement issued on Thursday, police spokesperson Anthony Placid described the conduct of the affected officers as a serious violation of the ethics and professional standards expected of members of the force.

According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal network allegedly involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

The officers named in the case include Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis and Olayemi Titus, who were accused of carrying out illegal patrol operations in Port Harcourt linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and extortion.

Police authorities alleged that the officers abducted victims during unlawful stop-and-search operations before forcing them to grant access to their banking and cryptocurrency accounts.

Investigators said the suspects extorted millions of naira from victims through illegal transfers and intimidation.

The police further disclosed that three additional suspects — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently on the run.

During the investigation, authorities reportedly recovered three Toyota Sienna buses allegedly used for the operations, alongside ₦7.3 million believed to be proceeds from the crimes.

The force also revealed that the suspects allegedly carried firearms and conducted similar operations across parts of Rivers State.

In a separate development, another group of officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations of the Rivers State Command was also implicated in alleged organised criminal activities.

The officers identified were Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu and Anele Ikechukwu.

According to the police, the officers were involved in kidnapping, extortion, theft and official corruption while posing as patrol operatives.

Authorities alleged that victims were routinely abducted and forced to transfer money from their bank and cryptocurrency accounts, while 

valuables were also confiscated during the operations.

Following internal disciplinary proceedings, the five officers were dismissed from the force.

The police added that the matter has been forwarded for prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion and corruption.

The force said the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, remains committed to removing criminal elements from within the institution regardless of rank or position.

The police also encouraged Nigerians to continue reporting cases of misconduct, abuse of office and human rights violations through official complaint channels for investigation and necessary action.