a Point of Sale (POS) operator, and two mini bus drivers, Samuel Nicholas and Etim Bright. Spokesperson of the command, ASP Eno Ikioyedem, said in a statement that the syndicate allegedly posed as law enforcement agents to abduct and extort residents in Benin City. She said the serving officers are currently undergoing internal disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials, and would be prosecuted upon conclusion of investigations.

Ikioyedem explained that the group operated along the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where victims were forced into vehicles, driven around the city and compelled to withdraw money through POS operators under duress. According to her, the arrests followed a series of complaints from residents over harassment, abduction and extortion by individuals impersonating police personnel. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects, including some serving personnel, operated as a coordinated syndicate, exploiting police uniforms and accoutrements to deceive victims and carry out their activities,” she said.

She described the incident as a serious breach of public trust, noting that the actions of the suspects had brought the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute. Ikioyedem warned POS operators against facilitating illegal transactions, stressing that anyone found complicit would be arrested and prosecuted.