The Edo State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled an alleged criminal syndicate involving serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian collaborators accused of abducting unsuspecting residents and forcing them to surrender money through coordinated extortion schemes.
The discovery followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations initiated after numerous complaints from members of the public who claimed they had been unlawfully detained, intimidated and dispossessed of their money by individuals posing as legitimate law enforcement officers.
The Command announced the breakthrough during a media briefing held in Benin City, where the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, explained that the operation represents one of the most significant internal crackdowns against criminal elements operating under the cover of the police in recent times.
According to the spokesperson, investigators began looking into the allegations after victims repeatedly reported a disturbing pattern of arrests carried out around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa.
The victims alleged that the suspects intercepted innocent residents under the guise of routine police checks before forcing them into commercial buses waiting nearby.
Rather than taking the victims to a recognised police facility, the suspects allegedly drove them around different parts of Benin City while threatening them with detention or prosecution.
During the ordeal, victims were reportedly compelled to transfer money or make cash withdrawals through Point-of-Sale (POS) operators before they were eventually released.
ASP Ikoedem disclosed that operatives attached to the State Intelligence Department carried out a coordinated operation on April 13, 2026, leading to the arrest of several suspected members of the syndicate.
She said the operation effectively disrupted the group’s activities and marked the end of what investigators believe was an organised criminal network.
The preliminary findings, according to the police, revealed that the syndicate allegedly consisted of serving police officers, dismissed personnel, commercial bus drivers who provided transportation, and civilian collaborators who assisted in identifying victims and facilitating financial transactions.
Investigators believe each member of the network allegedly played a specific role in executing the operation, allowing the suspects to carry out their activities while creating the impression that the victims were undergoing legitimate police procedures.
The Command further revealed that more than eleven victims have so far identified members of the syndicate and provided detailed statements explaining how they were allegedly abducted and extorted.
Police authorities noted that the number of complainants may increase as investigations continue and more victims come forward.
Officials described the ongoing investigation as comprehensive, adding that detectives are working to establish the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, identify additional collaborators and determine whether similar incidents occurred in other parts of Edo State.
As part of internal disciplinary actions, the Police Command confirmed that Inspector Ehubariemen Wisdom, attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, was found guilty of misconduct during internal disciplinary proceedings. Consequently, he was reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant.
The Command also announced the dismissal of five police corporals identified as Mordi Philip, Destiny Emmanuel, Uwatse Emmanuel, Okon Elvis and Samuel David Obeten.
Police authorities stated that the officers were removed from service after investigations established their alleged involvement in the criminal activities.
Beyond their dismissal, the former officers are expected to face criminal prosecution alongside other suspects connected with the case. The police stressed that disciplinary sanctions alone would not be sufficient where criminal conduct has been established.
The Command also disclosed that Inspector Enahoro Nicholas, attached to Police Mobile Force Squadron 60, has been declared a deserter after allegedly absconding while investigations were ongoing.
Authorities said he remains at large, while efforts to locate and arrest him have been intensified.
The police used the occasion to reaffirm the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that no officer found abusing the authority of the Nigeria Police Force will be protected from investigation or prosecution.
According to the Command, maintaining professionalism within the Force requires holding officers accountable whenever credible evidence links them to criminal conduct.
It added that disciplinary measures are necessary to strengthen public confidence in policing and reassure citizens that misconduct will not be tolerated.
The Command also warned Point-of-Sale operators against knowingly assisting criminal elements by processing suspicious withdrawals or facilitating fraudulent financial transactions.
It cautioned that any POS operator found collaborating with criminal networks, laundering proceeds of crime or enabling extortion would face prosecution under relevant laws.
Residents were equally advised to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious police activities, illegal roadblocks or incidents involving individuals demanding money under questionable circumstances.
The police encouraged members of the public to verify the identities of officers whenever possible and promptly report any abuse through established complaint channels.
The Command commended victims whose courage in reporting the incidents helped investigators expose the syndicate.
According to the police, public cooperation played a crucial role in gathering evidence, identifying suspects and ensuring that the alleged criminal enterprise was dismantled.
Police authorities also appealed to anyone who may have had similar experiences but has not yet reported them to come forward with useful information.
Such testimonies, they said, will assist investigators in strengthening the ongoing prosecution and ensuring that every individual connected to the alleged crimes is brought to justice.
The Edo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical policing, insisting that criminal conduct by officers or civilians will not be overlooked.
The Command maintained that rebuilding public trust remains a priority and pledged to continue cleansing the system of individuals who abuse the privileges of law enforcement for personal gain.
