Three policemen attached to the S-Squad of the Abia State Police Command have been arrested over alleged extortion, abuse of police powers and other forms of misconduct affecting more than 200 people.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Polycarp Emeka, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Umuahia.

Emeka said seven officers were being investigated over the alleged activities, with three already arrested and efforts ongoing to apprehend others believed to be involved.

The arrested officers comprised an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Corporal.

According to the AIG, the officers allegedly operated across about nine Local Government Areas in Abia, including Aba, Obingwa, Ukwa East and Ukwa West.

He said the alleged activities had continued for more than a year before they came to the attention of the police following complaints from the President-General of one of the affected communities.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the officers allegedly targeted patent medicine dealers and proprietors of maternity homes. They reportedly conducted purported sting operations during which pharmaceutical products, money and other valuables were allegedly seized.

Emeka said the officers allegedly spent several weeks lodging in hotels while carrying out the operations, adding that their activities did not comply with approved police procedures.

More than 200 people were reportedly affected by the alleged operations.

Investigators have recovered pharmaceutical products allegedly taken from members of the public, as well as a bus and security-crest jackets reportedly linked to the suspects.

Some alleged victims accused the officers of using their positions to intimidate and extort them, while one of the suspects denied the allegations and maintained his innocence.

Emeka assured that the investigation would be thorough, saying any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.

He warned that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the institution or bringing the police uniform into disrepute.