By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Three police officers attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command have been arrested over allegations of extortion, abuse of power and misconduct involving more than 200 victims across the state.

The development was disclosed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka, during a briefing with journalists in Umuahia, Abia State.

According to the AIG, seven police personnel are currently being investigated in connection with the allegations, while efforts are underway to locate and arrest other officers suspected of involvement.

Those already arrested include an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Corporal.

Emeka said the alleged activities had reportedly been taking place for more than a year and extended across about nine Local Government Areas in Abia State.

The AIG explained that the alleged misconduct came to the attention of police authorities following complaints from the President-General of one of the communities affected by the officers’ activities.

Preliminary investigations, according to Emeka, indicated that the officers allegedly targeted patent medicine dealers and operators of maternity homes during purported sting operations.

During these operations, the officers were accused of seizing pharmaceutical products, money and other valuables from members of the public.

The police authorities also alleged that some of the officers spent several weeks staying in hotels while carrying out the operations in different parts of the state.

Emeka said the manner in which the operations were allegedly conducted did not comply with approved police procedures.

More than 200 people are believed to have been affected by the activities under investigation.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police authorities have reportedly recovered pharmaceutical products allegedly taken from members of the public. A bus and security-crest jackets believed to be connected to the suspects were also recovered.

Some individuals who claimed to have been victims of the alleged operations accused the officers of using their positions and police authority to intimidate them and obtain money or other valuables.

The allegations have raised concerns about the conduct of officers assigned to carry out special operations and the potential impact of such activities on public trust in the police.

However, one of the arrested officers denied the allegations and maintained that he was innocent.

The police authorities said the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and that all parties involved would be given the opportunity to provide their accounts of what happened.

Emeka stressed that officers found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary measures and, where necessary, legal proceedings.

He also warned police personnel against conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force or undermining public confidence in the institution.

The AIG said the police would continue to investigate complaints of misconduct and take action against personnel found to have abused their positions.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police authorities to protecting the integrity of the force and ensuring that officers who violate established procedures or abuse their powers are held accountable.

The investigation is expected to determine the full extent of the alleged operations, identify all personnel involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the reported seizures and alleged extortion of members of the public.