The Rivers State Police Command has alerted the public to a troubling rise in impersonation cases, where individuals dressed in black and posing as police officers are reportedly extorting unsuspecting residents across the state.
To curb the menace, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, PSC, MNIPS, has initiated a comprehensive strategy to track, apprehend, and prosecute those involved in these criminal acts to the fullest extent of the law.
CP Adepoju stated that no one, regardless of any claimed police affiliation, has the authority to search personal devices such as phones or laptops at roadblocks or checkpoints.
Furthermore, citizens should never be compelled to accompany such individuals to withdraw or transfer money from POS operators or financial institutions.
The police command urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or hostile checkpoints immediately using the following hotlines:
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
07057605256,
08120822987,
09035774814
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO): 09014273818
Control Room:
08032003514
CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR, Police Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, reassured the public of the command’s dedication to maintaining law and order.
She called for community cooperation to support legitimate police operations and ensure the safety and security of all residents.