Author: Gist Correspondent

The Rivers State Police Command has raised the alarm over a disturbing trend involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting members of the public across the state.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko.

According to the Command, the suspects reportedly dress in black attire and pose as security operatives while mounting illegal checkpoints and harassing citizens. The development, the police said, is of serious concern and poses a threat to public safety and trust in law enforcement.

\"In response, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, has ordered the activation of robust monitoring and enforcement mechanisms aimed at identifying, apprehending and prosecuting all those involved in the illegal activities to the full extent of the law,\" the statement said. 

The police command clarified that no individual or group, regardless of any claimed affiliation, has the authority to stop citizens to search their personal devices such as mobile phones or laptops on the road or at checkpoints. It also stressed that no officer has the right to compel citizens to accompany them to withdraw or transfer money through Point of Sale (POS) operators or any financial institution.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities, hostile checkpoints or attempts at extortion to designated police hotlines. Members of the public can contact the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256, 08120822987, or 09035774814; the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818; or the Control Room on 08032003514.

Reassuring citizens, the Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across the state. It also appealed to the public to continue to cooperate with legitimate police operations in order to ensure the safety and security of all residents.