The Edo State Police Command has announced the dismissal of five police operatives implicated in a criminal syndicate accused of harassing, abducting, and extorting residents in Benin City.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, who revealed that the syndicate comprised 10 individuals, including serving and dismissed police personnel, Point of Sale (POS) operators, and commercial drivers.
According to the statement, the suspects allegedly posed as legitimate law enforcement officers to carry out criminal activities across parts of the city. Their operations were said to be concentrated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they targeted unsuspecting victims.
“The Edo State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, wishes to inform the general public of a major breakthrough in the fight against criminal elements disguising as law enforcement officers to perpetrate heinous crimes within Benin City and its environs.
“The Command had, in recent times, received several complaints from members of the public alleging harassment, abduction, and extortion by individuals posing as police officers.
“These suspects reportedly operate along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where they unlawfully stop unsuspecting citizens, forcefully convey them around various roads within Benin City, and eventually take them to Point of Sale (POS) operators to fraudulently extort money from them under duress.”
The police explained that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, ordered a discreet, intelligence-driven investigation following the complaints.
Through sustained surveillance and coordinated operations, the syndicate was eventually dismantled.
Preliminary findings revealed that the group was well-organised and included both active and dismissed police personnel who exploited official equipment to deceive victims and carry out their activities.
The command noted that the actions of the suspects had brought the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
She added, “Those who are serving personnel have been dismissed. Upon conclusion of these processes and the ongoing investigation, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face the full weight of the law.
“The Command hereby calls on all victims who may have encountered or fallen prey to this organised criminal gang to come forward and assist the Police with useful information that will aid further investigation and prosecution.
“Furthermore, the Edo State Police Command uses this medium to strongly warn all POS operators and merchants to be wary of any individual, including persons in police uniform, who attempt to use their facilities for unlawful transactions or extortion. Any POS operator found to be complicit in such illegal activities will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and restoring public trust, in line with the mandate of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
