Zone 16 Police Vow Action Against Officers Over Extortion, Illegal Searches

The Nigeria Police Force, Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, has warned officers against extortion, unlawful vehicle stops, indiscriminate phone searches and other forms of misconduct in Bayelsa and Rivers states.

The Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gunn Emonena, gave the warning in an interview with New Waves, saying officers must exercise their powers within the law when stopping and questioning members of the public.

Emonena said allegations of extortion would be investigated where supported by credible and verifiable evidence, adding that officers found culpable would face disciplinary action. On phone searches, the spokesman said police officers should not indiscriminately search citizens' phones on the road. He said where there is reasonable suspicion or a petition against an individual, the person should be taken to the police station for proper investigation.

Emonena said the zone, under the leadership of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, had deployed Toyota Hilux surveillance vehicles fitted with CCTV cameras to monitor police checkpoints and officers' activities in the field.

He said the surveillance system would help monitor checkpoint operations, identify officers involved in misconduct and provide evidence for investigation and disciplinary action.

The spokesman also advised motorists to ensure that their vehicle documents were complete and up to date, including proper transfer of ownership documents.

He urged owners of vehicles with tinted glass to obtain the required permit, noting that applications are made online.

On reporting police misconduct, Emonena urged residents to document relevant details, including police vehicle registration numbers, officers' names or service numbers, the location of incidents, and any available evidence.

He advised members of the public to report complaints through the Zonal Complaint Response Unit and the Force Complaint Response Unit, including its WhatsApp platform.

The spokesman said residents should not be afraid to report genuine cases but cautioned against making false or unsubstantiated allegations against police officers. He also urged motorists to remain calm and cooperate with lawful checks at checkpoints.

Emonena said checkpoints along major routes, including the East-West Road, Bayelsa-Port Harcourt Road and Airport Road in Omagwa, had been drastically reduced.

He added that officers found culpable of misconduct could face internal disciplinary measures, including severe reprimand, reduction in rank and orderly room trial.

The development comes against the backdrop of previous enforcement measures by Zone 16 against illegal checkpoints and police misconduct. In January 2026, the zone and the Bayelsa State Police Command dismantled illegal checkpoints along the East-West Road and warned officers against extortion and unprofessional conduct.

AIG Zubairu, who assumed office as the head of Zone 16 in May 2026, has also directed officers to maintain discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

The Zone 16 command oversees policing operations in Bayelsa and Rivers states.