The Nigeria Police in Edo State have dismissed a number of officers over their role in a criminal syndicate, in a ceremony during which their police accoutrements were formally removed, bringing their careers in the force to an end. The action was presented as the outcome of an investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
According to the police public relations officer, the dismissals are the result of an extensive investigation into a criminal syndicate. The network was said to involve serving and dismissed police personnel, commercial bus drivers and civilian accomplices working together in the scheme.
The syndicate operated around the Temboga axis, off Aduwawa, in Benin City. That area was identified as the base from which the group carried out its activities against residents moving through the city.
According to the police, members of the syndicate intercepted unsuspecting citizens and forced them into commercial buses under the guise of police operations. The victims were then driven around various parts of the city while in the hands of the group.
In the course of these operations, the victims were compelled to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale operators before regaining their freedom. The scheme therefore turned fake police stops into a means of extorting money from those caught up in it.
The police said that more than 11 victims have already identified members of the syndicate. The investigation also revealed the involvement of seven police officers, alongside dismissed personnel and their civilian collaborators, in the operations of the network.
As part of the disciplinary measures, one inspector was reduced in rank, while five officers were dismissed from the force and are to be prosecuted. Another officer, who was declared a deserter, remains at large as the case continues.