As the holiday season sets in, the usual extortion and inconveniences caused by motorists and passengers on the highway are at their peak.
Nigerians are once again forced to confront the harsh reality of rampant extortion by different security agencies on the nation's highways.
Despite official claims of ignorance, an increasing number of motorists and travellers are becoming victims of harassment, intimidation, and even unlawful detention by security agencies manning roadblocks.
Many holidaymakers end up being extorted and even detained or their vehicles seized at the slightest whimper by security agents on the nation's highways.
Season of exploitation
With the alarming presence of security forces at every turn, it's clear that the festive season has also become a season of exploitation.
Notably, the highways are scenes of several security agencies that mount roadblocks at very short distances. Worse still, criminals and kidnappers have continued to hold sway, despite their presence.
Many Nigerians and foreigners have tales of woe over the disturbing trend of events. There are numerous accounts of victims who have endured these brutal encounters, shedding light on the untold suffering many face while navigating the very roads meant to keep them safe.
From unexpected vehicle seizures to demands for huge bribes, the stories are endless and chilling.
In the face of this injustice, the question arises: Why are these abuses allowed to flourish, unchecked?
However, the police authorities in a swift reaction, said policemen were not sent out to extort or harass motorists or travellers, saying deployment of policemen to highways was solicited by state governors.
Victims' accounts
But one of the victims of police extortion, an engineer, resident in Lagos, who pleaded anonymity, narrated his pitiful encounter along one of the highways.
He recounted: ''As I embarked on a journey from Lagos to the Eastern part of Nigeria, I was filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The excitement stemmed from the prospect of reconnecting with family and friends, while the trepidation was rooted in the notorious reputation of Nigeria's highways.
''My experience would later confirm my fears, as I encountered a plethora of security operatives, including police, military, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and Customs personnel, who seemed more interested in lining their pockets than ensuring the safety of travellers.
''I also ran into groups of dishevelled-looking youths who claimed to be local government officials asking after vehicle licenses and tax receipts in virtually all the areas I traversed.
"The extortion spree began almost immediately after I left Lagos. At nearly every checkpoint, I was stopped by security operatives who demanded bribes, often under the guise of 'routine checks' or 'security protocols.'
''The amounts varied from N200 to N500, but the persistence and audacity of the operatives were consistent.
Harrowing experience at Ore
''One particularly harrowing experience occurred at a police checkpoint in Ore, Ondo State, where an officer who claimed to be searching for 'stolen vehicles,' demanded that I produce my car's papers.
''After scrutinizing the documents, he declared that my vehicle's registration had expired, despite my protests that it was still valid. The 'fine' for this alleged infraction? A whopping N10, 000. It was clear that this was nothing more than a shakedown, and I reluctantly parted with N2,000 to avoid further hassle.
"Similar experiences played out at military checkpoints in Asaba, Delta State, and Customs checkpoints in Onitsha, Anambra State. At each stop, I was forced to part with some amount of money, simply to avoid being delayed or harassed further.
''As I continued with the trip, I also encountered battle-ready officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, who blocked the road with their official vehicle frantically searching almost every vehicle plying the highway.
''The resultant effect is that many holiday makers are seen desperately pleading to be left to take their families home and by so doing, they are forced to part with various amounts of money, based on frivolous claims by the officers."
Multiple complaints
A check by Vanguard on the X platform revealed multiple complaints from Nigerians raising alarms over the numerous checkpoints manned by security operatives reportedly extorting money and asking for unnecessary documents from motorists in an attempt to further exploit them.
One of such travellers, journeying from Abuja to Enugu with Peace Mass Transit, shared a harrowing experience on X, explaining how police in Enugu State used a Point of Sale, POS machine to collect N1million from his younger brother after kidnapping him and taking him to a nearby bush.
The X user, with the username Mr_Robmichael1, wrote: "They stopped the @PMTNigeria bus he was travelling in and asked all passengers to get down for a stop-and-search. My brother got down with his luggage but left his smaller bag on the seat.
''They (policemen) turned the story around, claiming he was hiding something inside. They found only perfumes and body spray when they opened the small bag. They then opened his main box, searched it, and discovered his medications.
''He explained that he was taking antibiotics for a cold. They also found both an i-Phone and an Android phone, prompting them to label him a fraudster.
"They told him they would take him to the EFCC, and he agreed. They instructed the bus driver, @PMTNigeria, to leave, and he did. They then drove my brother to the EFCC roundabout, making three turns.
''They told him to settle the matter or they would take him in. He responded that they should go ahead and do that. Then, they left the EFCC roundabout, drove him to a nearby bush and threatened to kill him if he didn't pay them N3million.
''He explained that there was no money in his account. Unfortunately, a credit alert notification popped up on his phone. They saw it and became angry with him for lying about not having money.
''They pointed a gun at him and forced him to open his phone and bank app, which he did. They saw that he had a balance of N1million and drove him to a nearby POS shop where they withdrew all the money from his account. Since he was traveling to Umuahia, they dropped him off at Peace Mass Park in Garki."
Another X user, named Dolapo, shared his harrowing experience on X, detailing how he escaped the claws of men of the Nigeria Police Force after revealing his identity: "Usually, when I go out, I am never alone. I have a security detail, and most times I wear a touch of camo, so I have never been bothered.
''Tonight, I decided to just freestyle and go out by myself. Went to this rave, had fun, and decided to check out another spot.
"My cab had just pulled up when a police officer walked up to me. He had his weapon raised, so I told him to, at least, lower it if we were going to have a conversation. He pushed me aggressively, and as a soldier, my first instinct was to protect myself.
''I quickly shoved his weapon aside. Right then, two other police officers joined, and one even shot his weapon. Like that was going to scare me, lol. I guess that threw them off, and a fight with three of them ensued. And because they couldn't take me down, I was now getting pepper-sprayed.
''Before I knew it, three police officers were on me. I didn't even want to identify myself as anything other than a regular civilian, but I guess from the 'accent' they thought I could be intimidated.
''They were saying I'd be taken to the station, lol. Ten minutes had passed when four men arrived-three in military uniforms and one in civilian clothes. As soon as they asked what was going on, that was when I told them who I was.
''The dynamic of the whole situation changed. The police officers started acting nice and wanted to listen. I just told the military guys that I wanted to go back to my hotel. One of the officers offered to have his men take me, but I declined. At that point, I was just too upset. They helped flag down a taxi, and now I'm on my way as I type this."
...and Vanguard editors
Similarly, a group of editors from Vanguard Newspapers, Lagos, had an ugly experience a few weeks ago while travelling to Benin City for a funeral ceremony. They were stopped at a point on entering Ore by armed policemen who demanded for the particulars of their car.
The driver gave them the particulars, one of the policemen swiftly glanced at it and while he was doing that, about eight touts sitting close to them moved fast and surrounded their car, claiming to be local government officials.
They demanded for their tax and radio receipts of the car. Enraged by the frivolous demands, the editors jumped out of their car and confronted them. Shockingly, while both parties were accosting each other, the armed policemen ignored them all and were busy stopping other vehicles plying same highway.
Call IGP - Police challenge
The editors confronted the policemen, demanding to know why they allowed touts to terrorize motorists under their watch but the policemen remained recalcitrant, asking them (editors) to call the Inspector General of Police if they were not satisfied with what was happening.
After the editors managed to escape from the scene, they reported the ugly incident at the Area Command and the second in command to the area commander and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO. They swiftly mobilized armed men who rushed to arrest both the policemen and the thugs.
'Unfortunately, before they got to the point with the editors, the erring policemen and thugs had disappeared after an unknown person alerted them.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the proliferation of checkpoints on Nigerian highways is largely a response to the growing menace of kidnapping, which has become a major security concern in the country.
Kidnappers have been known to operate wearing security personnel's uniforms, making it difficult for travellers to distinguish between genuine security operatives and impostors. The checkpoints are intended to serve as a deterrent to the kidnappers and to provide an additional layer of security for commuters.
However, while the intention behind the checkpoints is commendable, the reality is that some security personnel have exploited the situation for personal gains, turning the checkpoints into extortion points.
A private security personnel, Jide Osiniwo, in hs reaction to the development, said: "This abuse of power undermines the trust between security agencies and the public. The impact of this extortion spree on travellers cannot be overstated.
''One, it creates a culture of fear and mistrust, where citizens view security operatives as predators rather than protectors. It also imposes a significant financial burden on travellers, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet.
Undermining legitimacy
"Furthermore, this extortion racket undermines the legitimacy of Nigeria's security agencies and erodes public confidence in their ability to maintain law and order. It also perpetuates a broader culture of corruption where public officers feel emboldened to exploit their positions for personal gain.
''As the Yuletide season approaches, it is imperative that the issue of extortion and harassment at checkpoints on Nigerian highways is addressed urgently. With many Nigerians set to embark on journeys to various parts of the country, the last thing they need is to be bogged down by multiple checkpoints that can cause traffic congestion, delay travellers, and increase their vulnerability to robbery and other criminal activities."
Urgent steps by authorities needed
An auto dealer in Lagos, Chief Anslem Ikedigwe, also advised that "it is crucial that the authorities took steps to streamline the checkpoint system, ensure that security personnel are properly trained and supervised, and implement measures to prevent extortion and harassment, in order to guarantee a safe and hassle-free travel experience for all."
To address this issue, a traveller, Mr Akpan Ete, who returned from Akwa- Ibom State last Wednesday, said: "There is need for greater accountability and oversight. Also, the introduction of technology such as arms detectors could greatly enhance the effectiveness of the checkpoints, making it easier to identify and apprehend criminals, while minimizing the inconvenience to law-abiding citizens".
Another driver of a popular transport company, Ike Okwute, who blamed the various checkpoints for the delay in reaching his destination, said: " The solution to this menace is, first, the federal government must take decisive action to address the root causes of corruption within Nigeria's security agencies.
''This includes providing adequate training, equipment, and incentives for personnel, as well as establishing robust mechanisms for accountability and oversight.
"Secondly, the government should establish a network of CCTV cameras and monitoring systems to track the activities of security operatives at checkpoints. This would help to deter extortion and provide evidence for prosecution in cases where it occurs.
''Thirdly, citizens must be empowered to report cases of extortion and corruption. This can be achieved through the establishment of a dedicated hotline or online platform, where citizens can submit complaints and evidence."
Another transporter who simply gave his name as Uche, said: "Security operatives who engage in extortion and corruption must be held accountable. This includes prosecuting and punishing those found guilty, as well as providing support and protection for whistleblowers that come forward to report wrongdoing.
''Mind you, there are also local government officials who stop vehicles on the highway, particularly in Ondo and Edo states. They are vicious and uncouth. They will clamp one's vehicle and tow it to God knows where, if the driver refuses to part with as much as N20, 000.This set of people should be called to order."
A commuter, Osagie Ehinome, who spoke with Vanguard on the issue, said: "As I reflect on the experiences I had endured during my journey to Edo State, I couldn't help but feel a sense of outrage and disappointment.
''Nigeria's highways should be safe and secure, not a hunting ground for corrupt security operatives. It's time for the government to take decisive action to address this menace and restore the trust and confidence of citizens in Nigeria's security agencies."
Police, reflection of rotten political class - Activist, Effiong
Also reacting to the development, lawyer and human rights activist, Inibehe Effiong, on his X handle, said: ''It is only in a lawless and criminal state that the police, an institution meant to protect lives and properties, would kill, steal and constantly harass and molest citizens.
''The police is exactly the way the rotten and corrupt political class wants it to be. If you expect corrupt politicians to reform the police, you're going to wait till eternity.
''Nigerian institutions will not be reformed until we have the right people in power. I don't see a way out. But we will keep fighting.''
We didn't send out our men to make money -Force Headquarters
Reacting yesterday, Police High Command said state governors were aware
of the roadblocks mounted by its personnel either on major highways or some intercity roads in their respective locations.
It also said Nigerians abroad were trooping into the country to enjoy Christmas in their respective communities, sequel to improved security situation in every nook and cranny of the country.
Spokesman of the force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, stated this while fielding questions from journalists during a joint press briefing of all spokesmen of all security agencies held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Abuja.
The briefing, organised by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee, SCIPC, of the ONSA, led by the Director of Legal Services, Zakari Mijinyawa, had representatives of military, fire service, FRSC, among others in attendance.
Reacting to fears of some people over kidnapping incidents on major highways, particularly in the South East, Adejobi said the force had deployed to major highways in order to forestall any of such occurrence.
"Let me say we have done strategic deployment, and our deployment across the country is not to intimidate anybody, it is for us to make sure that all our routes, major highways and communities are safe.
"Let me clarify that we don't have roadblocks in Nigeria, we have stop-and-search points, nipping points, and others. Where you see roadblocks, that is zigzag movement - be it log of wood, drums and everything, must have been at the request of the governor of that state.
"No command will form any roadblocks without the consent of the governor of that state. There are some states where the governors have actually requested or sought permission of the IGP to have such roadblocks," he said.
The force spokesman said senior officers in the police had never sent any officer on patrol to make money for them, saying Nigerians should report such officers via publicised headlines if caught while misbehaving.
He added: "Generally, across the country, we have stop-and-search points, and we'll continue to have such stop-and-search points for now until we have a better system, where we will not have men stopping vehicles and checking your papers, where we have authorised patrol when cameras will be monitoring our highways.
"But now, for our good, and the good of our people, plying all these routes. Where we have issues with the men at these various points, we have rolled out our helplines. We have rolled out our complaint response platforms and numbers. Let us make use of them.
"I've not seen any senior man from any agency, particularly in the police, that will rubbish his name in the name of money. Apart from Customs that is for revenue, I've not seen any that will say go and raise N10 million for me as you're going to your point of duty, I've not seen it," he said.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the Police at every point and leverage on the various complaints platform, such as the complaint response unit, CRU, Public Complaints Bureau, PCB, to report acts of misconduct by officers deployed at various locations across the country.''
Adejobi also advised the public to call 09133333785, 09133333786, 07056792065 for complaints against police actions on the highway, as well as reach out on [email protected].
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