The Rivers State Police Command has alerted residents to a disturbing trend involving individuals impersonating police officers and extorting unsuspecting members of the public across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, Spokesperson of the command CSP, Grace Koko said the impostors often dress in black attire and operate illegal and hostile checkpoints where they harass citizens and demand money under false pretences.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, said the Command has activated robust mechanisms to monitor, identify, arrest, and prosecute all those involved in the criminal activity to the full extent of the law.
The Police Command also cautioned the public that no individual, regardless of any claimed affiliation, has the authority to search personal devices such as mobile phones or laptops at checkpoints or on the road. Citizens were further warned not to comply with demands to accompany anyone to withdraw or transfer money through POS operators or financial institutions.
Residents are advised to remain security conscious and promptly report any suspicious activities or illegal checkpoints to the Police through the following hotlines: the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 07057605256, 08120822987, and 09035774814; the Police Public Relations Officer on 09014273818; or the Control Room on 08032003514.
The Rivers State Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order and appealed for continued cooperation and support for legitimate police operations to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
