The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed and commenced prosecution of five inspectors over allegations of armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, stealing, and other forms of professional misconduct in Rivers State.
Police authorities also disclosed that three inspectors and one corporal attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, who were implicated in similar crimes, are currently on the run.
The action, according to the police, is part of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu’s zero-tolerance stance on professional misconduct and criminality within the Force.
The Inspector-General had upon assumption of office pledged to sanitise the institution and ensure that officers found guilty of violating professional ethics and the policing code of conduct face disciplinary action.
Announcing the development in a statement on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to discipline, accountability, and institutional reform.
“The Force notes that the actions of the affected officers represent a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force,” Placid said.
According to him, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving police officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, including Inspector Ayanniyi Jelili, Inspector Durojaye Francis, and Inspector Olayemi Titus.