In a swift operation, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully arrested eight police inspectors for allegedly running an extortion and theft syndicate that targeted innocent citizens in Rivers and Bayelsa States.
According to reports, the eight arrested inspectors are a mix of officers serving in the Rivers State Command and others deployed from Zone 16 Police Headquarters, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The state police public relations officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo revealed that they recovered ₦7.8 million in cash from the suspects. During a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.July 1st, 2026, she stated that the officers conspired, wore official uniforms, and used the cover of police authority to rob civilians.
“Their mode of operation was well-coordinated. Officers from Bayelsa would travel into Rivers State, carry out the robberies, and return. They relied on the trust people place in police uniforms to carry out their crimes.” the PPRO stated
The Command also disclosed that the inspectors allegedly used Keke tricycles for their operations — a vehicle type that Inspector-General of Police has banned for police duties nationwide.
Using the Keke, the officers would trail unsuspecting victims, stop them under the guise of a police stop-and-search, seize their mobile phones, and then force transfers from victims’ bank apps into personal or unknown accounts.
Inspectors Face Criminal, Disciplinary Probe
Additionally, the PPRO said some of the arrested inspectors were also linked to handing over victims to suspected kidnappers.
The ₦7.8 million recovered during the crackdown is believed to be proceeds of extortion from the corrupt inspectors. Forensic investigations into the suspects’ bank accounts and mobile devices are still ongoing to identify more victims and trace additional funds.
The eight inspectors are currently in custody and are undergoing internal disciplinary and criminal investigations. The Command said it will forward the case to the IGP’s Monitoring Unit and the Police Service Commission for further action.
However, the Rivers State Police Command has urged anyone who was extorted, tortured, or brutalized by police officers to report to the Command.
“If you are a victim of police extortion, torture, or brutality, you should reach out to the Rivers State Police Command immediately,” the PPRO advised. Complaints can also be channeled to the IGP Complaint Response Unit at 08057000001, 08057000002, or via email.
The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on police misconduct and warned officers against using unauthorized vehicles or abusing their uniforms for personal gain.
Nevertheless, the arrests come as the Nigeria Police Force intensifies efforts to weed out corrupt elements and rebuild public confidence in policing across the country.
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