The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered the dismantling of all non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways nationwide.
This directive, issued in a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, aims to restore operational efficiency and ensure smoother movement for security forces and civilians.
Highways in Nigeria are dotted with checkpoints, which have long been controversial. While intended to combat terror and crime, these roadblocks have gained a reputation among Nigerians for being hubs of extortion and corruption. Security personnel have been accused of demanding bribes, and reports indicate citizens have lost their lives for refusing to pay.
Meanwhile, many citizens view checkpoints as a necessary deterrent in areas plagued by banditry and kidnapping. But allegations persist that the proliferation is often driven by internal directives that facilitate the collection of unofficial levies, leading to fatal confrontations when citizens refuse to comply.
The DHQ memo acknowledges these issues, stating that the proliferation of checkpoints has eroded operational efficiency. The new policy is aimed towards aggressive mobile patrols and intelligence gathering on key transit routes, including those linking major cities like Abuja, Lagos, and Kano.
The affected routes include key arteries connecting the North, South, and West region such as; Abuja-Lokoja, Ajaokuta-Idah, Otukpa-Obollo, Afor-Enugu, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Lagos-Ore-Benin-Asaba-Niger Bridge
According to the memo, the services Headquarters instructs all commands to ensure the dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints nationwide.
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