<\/p>\n
Military Begins Removal Of Illegal Checkpoints Nationwide<\/p>\n
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate dismantling of illegal military checkpoints across Nigeria.
\nA memo dated December 5, endorsed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, conveyed the instruction.
\nThe directive focuses on unauthorized checkpoints that hinder movement and expose both security operatives and civilians to needless risks.
\nThis action follows growing insecurity, rising transport costs, and mounting reports of extortion on major highways across the country.<\/p>\n
The internal memo, sighted by this newspaper, disclosed that the Defence Ministry has observed an increasing number of illegal checkpoints.
\nIt noted that such checkpoints now appear along several federal and state routes without formal clearance from the military high command.
\nThe memo cautioned that the spread of unapproved checkpoints weakens command structure and leaves personnel vulnerable to ambush and attacks.
\nIt instructed all service chiefs and field commanders to locate, assess, and remove illegal roadblocks within their jurisdictions.<\/p>\n
For countless Nigerians, checkpoints have become a routine part of road travel.
\nYet, accounts from drivers and passengers indicate that some of these roadblocks now function more as centres of extortion than as security posts.
\nCivil society organisations have recorded instances where motorists are compelled to pay unofficial \u201cpass fees\u201d at multiple stops on a single journey.
\nTransport unions in states such as Lagos, Kaduna, and Anambra have similarly complained about delays and escalating costs tied to checkpoint gridlock.<\/p>\n
Transport fares had already risen steeply in 2024 due to fuel subsidy removal and inflation.
\nAdditional delays at illegal checkpoints prolong travel time, increase fuel consumption, and accelerate vehicle depreciation.
\nThese expenses translate into higher passenger fares and increased prices for food and other goods transported by road.
\nMarket traders conveying produce from rural communities to urban centres report income losses when perishable items spoil after prolonged waits at numerous checkpoints.<\/p>\n
Security experts have cautioned that criminals sometimes impersonate security agents at fake checkpoints.
\nSuch individuals wear uniforms or reflective vests to stop vehicles, then proceed to rob passengers or abduct victims.
\nThe Defence Ministry memo affirmed that unauthorized checkpoints expose legitimate personnel to unnecessary risks, including surprise assaults.
\nAnalysts highlight that terrorists and bandits have in the past struck static checkpoints using explosives and coordinated attacks.<\/p>\n
Existing security data suggest that the heavy presence of checkpoints has not decisively reduced attacks on Nigerian roads.
\nIndependent monitoring by SBM Intelligence and other security trackers has documented recurring abductions along highways in the FCT, Kaduna, Niger, Kogi, and the South-East.
\nThe International Organisation for Migration has classified Nigeria\u2019s road corridors as high-risk zones for armed robbery and kidnapping, particularly at night.
\nSecurity specialists contend that an excess of poorly supervised checkpoints creates confusion, erodes discipline, and complicates oversight.<\/p>\n
Recent figures and field accounts obtained by this newspaper indicate that:
\n– Nigeria records hundreds of kidnap-for-ransom cases each year, many occurring along highways.
\n– Transport fares have climbed sharply since mid-2023, driven by higher fuel prices and prolonged delays.
\n– Civil society bodies have consistently logged complaints of extortion at roadblocks.
\n– Security analysts associate static, uncoordinated checkpoints with increased susceptibility to ambush.<\/p>\n
The Defence Ministry\u2019s directive fits into broader efforts to overhaul Nigeria\u2019s security framework.
\nThe Federal Government has repeatedly vowed to curb corruption within security outfits and enhance safety on the roads.
\nOfficials maintain that better coordination of checkpoints will strengthen intelligence-driven operations rather than random stops.
\nBy eliminating illegal checkpoints, authorities hope to safeguard citizens while cutting down avenues for bribery and abuse.<\/p>\n
The Nigerian Army, police, and other law-enforcement agencies commonly share duties at checkpoints.
\nThe memo issued by Brigadier General Rabiu on behalf of Minister Christopher Musa indicates stricter central oversight of military deployment on highways.
\nSenior commanders are now required to ensure that every checkpoint has written authorization, a clearly defined mandate, and effective supervision.
\nCheckpoints lacking approval are to be dismantled, with personnel reassigned to strategic locations backed by credible intelligence.<\/p>\n
Many road users have welcomed the announced crackdown on illegal checkpoints, anticipating quicker and safer trips.
\nCommercial drivers in Abuja, Onitsha, and Kano told reporters they frequently meet several checkpoints within short stretches of road.
\nSome drivers voiced optimism that the directive will reduce \u201cmultiple taxation\u201d on the highways and cut their daily operating costs.
\nNonetheless, human rights advocates pointed out that earlier directives of this nature yielded only modest, short-lived changes in practice.<\/p>\n
Civil society groups have called on the Defence Ministry to release explicit guidelines listing all authorised checkpoints.
\nThey insist that citizens should be able to identify which agencies have lawful powers at each checkpoint.
\nThese organisations also pushed for hotlines and online platforms through which motorists can report illegal checkpoints and extortion as they occur.
\nAccording to them, such mechanisms would enhance accountability and provide authorities with verifiable data for enforcement.<\/p>\n
The directive emerges at a time when the Federal Government is under pressure to rebuild public confidence in security institutions.
\nCases of police and military abuse, combined with ongoing insecurity, have diminished trust among large segments of the population.
\nAnalysts argue that sanitising checkpoint operations offers a visible demonstration that authorities are committed to accountability and adherence to the law.
\nIt also connects with broader discussions on federalism, distribution of resources, and the necessity for better-trained, better-equipped security personnel.<\/p>\n
Safe, predictable road transport remains crucial to Nigeria\u2019s path to economic recovery.
\nThe bulk of goods and agricultural products move by road, making secure highways central to commerce and food distribution.
\nInvestors likewise factor in road safety and the professionalism of security agencies when planning logistics and siting new ventures.
\nCutting down illegal checkpoints could enhance Nigeria\u2019s ranking on business environment indices and bolster job creation.<\/p>\n
If rigorously implemented, the Defence Ministry\u2019s order could lead to fewer checkpoints on major thoroughfares.
\nMotorists may benefit from reduced stoppages, shorter journeys, and clearer identification of legitimate security posts.
\nCitizens should, however, still expect well-marked, authorised checkpoints in high-risk zones and near key infrastructure.
\nSecurity professionals advise travellers to stay vigilant, minimise night trips where possible, and promptly report suspicious or unmarked checkpoints.<\/p>\n
The directive signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of Minister Christopher Musa represents a renewed push to regulate military checkpoints across Nigeria.
\nEarlier attempts to reform roadblocks were hampered by resistance, lax enforcement, and limited public sensitisation.
\nThis latest order will gauge the government\u2019s determination to tackle internal corruption, strengthen command discipline, and safeguard both civilians and troops.
\nFor everyday Nigerians, the ultimate test of success is straightforward: safer travel, fewer illegal checkpoints, and a tangible end to roadside extortion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Military Begins Removal Of Illegal Checkpoints Nationwide Federal Government Directs Clampdown On Illegal Checkpoints The Federal Government has ordered the immediate dismantling of illegal military checkpoints across Nigeria. A memo dated December 5, endorsed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, conveyed the instruction. The directive focuses on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-national-news"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1856"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1900,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1856\/revisions\/1900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1856"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1856"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/naija247.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1856"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}