- They are accused of harassing and extorting civilians, especially youths, in Owerri
- The individuals allegedly used point-of-sale machines to extort money from their victims
- The suspects are part of Operation Search and Flush in Imo
- Investigation will be done to ensure justice is served
Three National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers and two Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel have been apprehended by the Imo State Police Command.
They stand accused of harassing and extorting civilians in the state. ASP Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson for the command, disclosed this information to the media in Owerri on Tuesday.
One of those arrested is a 37-year-old police inspector who faces similar charges. It is alleged that these individuals have gained notoriety for extorting unsuspecting civilians, particularly youths in Owerri, by employing point-of-sale machines.
“These are security operatives hiding under the umbrella of Operation Search and Flush in Imo, harassing and extorting unsuspecting members of the public, in particular the youths, to the tune of thousands of naira.
“They use POS, seize and check the phones of their victims, thereby bringing untold hardship to them,” he added.
Okoye assured the public that action would be expedited to conclude the investigation and bring the suspects to justice.