Nigeria, May 15 -- The Nigeria Police Force says it has dismissed some officials over alleged kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion and other criminal activities in Rivers State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the police spokesperson, Anthony Placid, the police said the actions formed part of ongoing internal cleansing and institutional reform efforts aimed at strengthening discipline and accountability within the force.

The police described the conduct of the affected officers as "a gross betrayal of the ethics, standards, and professional values of the Nigeria Police Force."

According to the statement, investigations uncovered a criminal syndicate involving serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, identified a...