The Accident Prevention and Rescue Initiative (APRI), a road safety-focused non-governmental organisation, has called for the immediate removal of what it described as excessive security checkpoints on Nigeria’s highways, particularly across the Southeast.
The group also urged the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oloyede, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and heads of other security agencies to closely monitor personnel manning checkpoints over alleged cases of extortion, unnecessary delays and harassment of motorists.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Fidelis Nnadi, APRI said it had received widespread complaints from motorists, farmers, traders, transporters and civil society organisations over alleged extortion at checkpoints.
The organisation acknowledged the legitimate responsibility of security agencies to protect lives and property, particularly in the fight against kidnappers and other violent criminals operating on the highways.
However, it alleged that some personnel were turning security checkpoints into avenues for extortion and arbitrary delays.
APRI further alleged that the proliferation of checkpoints had been “weaponised” to systematically extort motorists and commercial transporters, while disrupting the movement of goods and services and contributing to rising transportation and food costs.
The group called on the police, military and other security authorities to conduct an immediate audit of checkpoints across the country, with particular attention to the five Southeast states.
It also demanded that the locations, operational necessity, authorisation and personnel attached to the checkpoints be made public.
According to APRI, checkpoints without genuine security purposes should be dismantled, while personnel found demanding or collecting money from road users should face appropriate disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.
The organisation also appealed to the governors of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states to demand greater accountability from security agencies, while urging the Federal Road Safety Corps to work with the police to reclaim the highways from illegal roadblocks and alleged non-state revenue collectors. APRI vowed to intensify its campaign against checkpoint extortion and alleged human rights abuses on the nation’s highways.
