Police in Akwa Ibom probe alleged extortion of operatives by commanders

The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has ordered an inquiry into allegations that police officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment in Borno State were made to pay N25,000 each as a “transit fee”.

The allegation was reported by SaharaReporters, prompting the command to clarify that officers deployed from Uyo to Jaji and back are not responsible for funding their official transportation.

In a statement on Monday, the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police, said the squadron bears the transportation cost for the officers.

“There is no authorised N25,000 transit fee, and officers are not required to fund their official transportation,” Ms John said.

The command, however, said it would investigate the allegation rather than dismiss it outright. It said an inquiry had been ordered “to establish what occurred and identify anyone responsible”.

According to the statement, any police personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authorisation would face disciplinary action and, where necessary, prosecution.

“The Command takes any allegation of unauthorised demand or collection seriously,” the police said.

It also appealed to officers with direct knowledge of any alleged payment demand or collection to provide relevant details through the appropriate channels.

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The command said the investigation would be “guided by evidence and conducted fairly”.

It called on the public to regard the reported allegation as requiring verification while the investigation continues.