The Edo State Police Command says five police officers have been dismissed and one other demoted, after uncovering an alleged criminal syndicate involving police personnel and civilian collaborators accused of abducting and extorting members of the public in Benin City.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the crackdown followed multiple complaints of harassment, unlawful arrest, abduction and extortion by individuals posing as police officers along the Temboga axis off Aduwawa in Benin City.
According to her, investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly intercepted unsuspecting residents, forced them into commercial buses under the guise of police operations, drove them around the city and compelled them to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before regaining their freedom.
She said operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible intelligence, tracked and arrested members of the syndicate on April 13, 2026.
Ikoedem disclosed that the syndicate comprised serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators.
She added that more than 11 victims positively identified members of the syndicate, while investigations are continuing as additional victims come forward.
Following internal disciplinary proceedings, Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom (AP/No. 324688) of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Benin, was demoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Five other officers—Corporal Mordi Philip, Corporal Destiny Emmanuel, Corporal Uwatse Emmanuel, Corporal Okon Elvis and Corporal Samuel David Obeten—were dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force over their alleged involvement.
Ikoedem said the disciplinary measures were in line with the policy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that “the era of impunity is over.”
She also warned POS operators and members of the public against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found collaborating in extortion or laundering proceeds of crime would face prosecution.
The police spokesperson commended victims who reported the incidents and urged others with relevant information to come forward to strengthen the ongoing prosecution.
“Let this serve as a clear warning to every police officer across the country. The Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate any abuse of office, corruption, extortion, or criminality within its ranks. Any officer who betrays the public trust will be identified, investigated, dismissed where appropriate, and prosecuted,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the rule of law, adding that officers who uphold the ethics of the profession would be recognised and rewarded, while those involved in criminal conduct would have no place in the organisation.
(Ripples)
