Rivers police squad disbanded over extortion, human rights abuse

Friday Eboka, Rivers state commissioner of police, has dissolved the Eagle Crack Squad, a special police unit in the state.

The squad had been accused of human rights abuses, extortion, framing and tampering of evidence.

The latest complaint against the unit was made by three undergraduates of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) from who the police officers extorted N150,000.

According to a statement by Nnamdi Omoni, Rivers police spokesman, the dissolution was as a result of complaints of unprofessional conduct displayed by members of the squad.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Eboka Friday has dissolved the Eagle Crack Squad. This was done this morning after a meeting with his Management Team,” the statement read.

“The dissolution is coming on the heels of Complaints of unprofessional conduct exhibited by the Personnel of the Unit.

“Recall that the CP in his Maiden Press Briefing on Tuesday promised to address all cases of infractions by the Police and increase supervision of the men, with a stern warning to deal with erring officers and hold DPOs/HODs vicariously liable.

“The dissolution is with immediate effect and all Personnel attached to the Unit are to report to the Headquarters for redeployment.
The public is hereby enjoined to rekindle their trust in the Police, as the Command is committed to giving them improved Policing services that will stand the test of time”.