Calls for Presidential Action Intensify Amid Allegations of Extortion and Harassment
The festive season has brought renewed attention to the persistent issue of excessive security checkpoints and alleged extortion in Nigeria’s South-East region. Travellers and stakeholders alike are voicing their frustrations over the overwhelming number of roadblocks, citing not only delays but also reports of harassment and bribery by security personnel.
Known for its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and renowned hospitality, the South-East is becoming increasingly notorious for its congested roads, where checkpoints manned by various security agencies have become a source of distress for commuters.
A Region Plagued by Checkpoints
While the official purpose of these checkpoints is to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and ensure public safety, their sheer number and proximity—sometimes only meters apart—have raised significant concerns. Travellers recount being stopped repeatedly within short distances, enduring intrusive searches, prolonged questioning, and, in many cases, dehumanizing treatment.
For example, the route from Onitsha to Enugu, covering approximately 105 kilometers, is riddled with 28 checkpoints. These are managed by a mix of security forces, including the Nigerian Army, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Specifically, there are eight army checkpoints located at points like Awkuzu Junction and Ugwuoba Junction, alongside 13 police roadblocks, including those at Dunukofia LGA headquarters and Amawbia Junction. Three FRSC checkpoints and an NDLEA post at Ugwuoba Junction further exacerbate the congestion.
Similar scenarios unfold across other key routes, such as the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Owerri-Aba Road, and Enugu-Port Harcourt Road. From Aba to Enugu—a distance of 150 kilometers—travellers encounter at least 12 army checkpoints and over 16 police roadblocks, in addition to mobile stop-and-search units.
In total, it is estimated that more than 4,000 checkpoints are scattered across major roads in the region, from Lagos to Onitsha and Abuja to Enugu.
Extortion Allegations and Traveller Woes
Beyond the inconvenience of delays, many travellers report facing blatant extortion at these checkpoints. Motorists claim they are often coerced into paying between ₦500 and ₦1,000 at each stop, irrespective of the agency manning the post. These illegal tolls are said to contribute significantly to the rising cost of transportation in the region.
“I was travelling from Lagos to Enugu for Christmas, but my journey was delayed by over five hours due to the numerous checkpoints,” said Mr. Mike Okoh, an Enugu indigene residing in Lagos. “The security personnel were slow and seemed uninterested in letting us pass.”
Another traveller, Ifeoma Okwara, shared her ordeal: “I spent over three hours waiting at a checkpoint in Anambra State. It felt like they were intentionally delaying us. It was frustrating and exhausting.”
In more severe cases, travellers have alleged outright harassment and threats. Uche Nnadi recounted his experience in Imo State, stating, “The security personnel demanded ₦5,000 to let me pass. When I refused, they threatened to detain me.”
Checkpoints Turned ‘Cash Points’
Investigations reveal that many of these checkpoints have become lucrative ventures for security personnel. The burden of these illicit financial demands often falls on passengers, as drivers increase fares to offset the costs.
“The roadblocks have turned into money-making points,” said Monday Expo, another traveller who was asked to pay ₦2,000 at a checkpoint. “When I refused, they let me go but warned me that I would regret it.”
Some travellers even reported being forced to disembark from vehicles to cross military checkpoints on foot, exposing them to unnecessary risks. “It was traumatic. I was travelling with my family when we were stopped and harassed. They demanded we open our luggage for inspection without any explanation,” said Chinwendu Uju.
Calls for Urgent Reform
The escalating frustrations have prompted public figures and stakeholders to demand immediate intervention. Amobi Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, raised a motion in the House of Representatives calling for a reduction of security checkpoints, particularly along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.
“These excessive checkpoints violate the constitutional right of Nigerians to free movement and severely disrupt economic activities,” Ogah stated. He emphasized the need for modern, efficient security measures that do not infringe on citizens’ rights or expose them to harassment.
South-East leaders have echoed these sentiments, urging President Bola Tinubu to dismantle unnecessary roadblocks in the region. During a town hall meeting in Enugu, Onyemuche Nnamani highlighted the negative impact of these checkpoints on the local economy, arguing that they drive up the cost of goods and logistics while exposing security personnel to avoidable dangers.
“With modern surveillance tools like the command and control center established by the Enugu State government, traditional roadblocks are outdated and unnecessary,” Nnamani said. “We appeal to the president to support alternative security measures, such as patrols and digital monitoring, to reduce the burden on our people.”
As the festive season winds down, the calls for reform continue to grow louder. Travellers and residents alike hope that the government will address the pervasive issues of extortion, harassment, and inefficiency that have turned the South-East’s roads into a gauntlet of frustration.
