The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over the activities of individuals impersonating police officers and engaging in the extortion of unsuspecting residents across the state.
According to the Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko on Friday, the suspects are often seen wearing black outfits and mounting illegal checkpoints where they harass members of the public under the guise of law enforcement duties.
Describing the development as disturbing, the Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the activation of a robust operational mechanism to monitor, identify, apprehend and prosecute all persons involved in the criminal act to the full extent of the law.
The Command emphasised that no police officer or individual has the authority to search personal electronic devices such as mobile phones or laptops on the road or at checkpoints.
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The details further clarified that no citizen should be compelled to accompany any individual to withdraw or transfer money through Point of Sale (POS) operators or financial institutions.
Residents have been advised to remain security conscious, avoid compliance with illegal demands, and promptly report any suspicious activities or hostile checkpoints to the appropriate police authorities.
Iringe-Koko urged citizens to contact the police force using the provided emergency contact lines for immediate reporting, the Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 09035774814, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO): 09014273818 and Control Room: 08032003514
The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order, while calling on residents to cooperate with legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
