Dare Babalola
The Rivers State Police Command on Friday released a security alert, cautioning residents about a group of imposters posing as police officers to extort money from unsuspecting individuals.
According to a statement signed by CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, directed a strong crackdown to identify, arrest, and prosecute those involved in the scam.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Rivers State Police Command has been drawn to a disturbing trend, where a group of individuals portraying as Police Officers, wearing black attire, and engaging in the extortion of unsuspecting citizens in the State.
“This development is deeply concerning, and the Commissioner of Police, Cp Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, Psc, MNIPS, has launched a robust mechanism to monitor, identify, apprehend, and prosecute those involved in this illegal act to the full extant of the law.”
The statement added that, “It is imperative to note that no individual, regardless of their claimed affiliation, has the authority to conduct searches of personal devices of the citizens, such as phones or laptops, on the road or at checkpoints, or demand that you accompany them to withdraw or transfer cash from a POS operator or any financial institution.
“The public is advised to exercise vigilance and report any suspicious activities or encountered hostile checkpoints to the following hotlines: Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 09035774814 – PPRO: 09014273818 – Control Room: 08032003514”
“The Rivers State Police Command reassures citizens of its commitment to maintaining law and order, and appeals for cooperation and support for legitimate Police operations in ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” the statement concluded.
