The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five police officers and demoted an inspector after uncovering a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction, harassment and extortion of innocent residents in Benin City.
The command said the intelligence-led operation exposed a 10-member network comprising serving and dismissed police personnel, commercial minibus drivers and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators who allegedly preyed on unsuspecting members of the public.
According to the police, the syndicate operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where victims were allegedly forced into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations.
Investigators said the victims were driven around different parts of Benin City and coerced into transferring money electronically or withdrawing cash through collaborating POS operators before regaining their freedom.
The command disclosed that the breakthrough followed months of surveillance and technical intelligence ordered by the Commissioner of Police as part of efforts to identify and dismantle criminal elements operating within the force.
Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, five police officers were summarily dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will face criminal prosecution.
The command also announced the demotion of Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom to the rank of Sergeant after he was found guilty of misconduct during the investigation.
Police authorities described the disciplinary measures as a clear demonstration of the command’s resolve to rid the force of rogue officers and restore public confidence in policing across Edo State.
The command further warned POS operators against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found collaborating with criminals would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It also appealed to members of the public who may have fallen victim to the syndicate to come forward with useful information to assist investigators as efforts continue to bring all those involved to justice.
