Fake policemen in black extorting Rivers residents – Police raise alarm

The Rivers State Police Command has warned residents to be security conscious following reports of individuals impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting members of the public across the state.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects operate in black attire, mount illegal checkpoints, and intimidate citizens under the guise of police duties.

She disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, has activated a robust mechanism to track, arrest, and prosecute all persons involved in the criminal act.

According to the police, no officer or individual has the authority to search personal devices such as phones or laptops on the road or at checkpoints, nor compel citizens to withdraw or transfer money through POS operators or financial institutions.

“The Command considers this development deeply concerning and will not tolerate any form of impersonation or extortion,” the statement said.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities or hostile checkpoints to the police through the following hotlines: Complaint Response Unit (CRU) 07057605256, 08120822987, 09035774814; PPRO — 09014273818; and Control Room — 08032003514.

The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order and called for continued cooperation with legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of all residents.