As the holiday season unfolds, Nigerian highways become battlegrounds for exploitation and harassment, with motorists and passengers bearing the brunt of rampant extortion by security agencies and local officials.
Despite official denials, victims recount harrowing encounters with police, military personnel, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and Customs officers who exploit checkpoints to demand bribes, seize vehicles, and intimidate travelers under the guise of routine checks.
A Season of Exploitation
Rather than ensuring public safety, the proliferation of checkpoints has fostered fear and distrust. Travelers face routine harassment, with officers demanding ₦200-₦500 bribes, escalating to tens of thousands for fabricated offenses. Local government officials in states like Ondo and Edo further aggravate the situation, imposing heavy fines and towing vehicles arbitrarily.
Authorities React
The Nigerian Police Force denied sanctioning extortion, attributing roadblocks to requests from state governors for enhanced highway security. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged citizens to report misconduct via designated hotlines, asserting, “We have stop-and-search points, not roadblocks, and deployment is purely for safety.”
While promising reforms like CCTV surveillance and electronic monitoring, Adejobi admitted that current measures rely heavily on public cooperation and complaints to curb abuses.
The Toll of Corruption
Critics argue the extortion culture reflects deeper systemic failures. Activist Inibehe Effiong lamented, “The police are a reflection of the corrupt political class. Without genuine reform, this cycle of abuse will persist.”
Call for Action
Travelers and experts advocate urgent government intervention, including reducing checkpoints, introducing technology to detect crimes, and holding errant officers accountable. As one commuter noted, “Our highways should ensure safety, not serve as hunting grounds for corrupt officials.”
With the festive season at its peak, Nigerians call on authorities to act swiftly to restore confidence and ensure safer, hassle-free journeys for all.
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