The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading civil society and public accountability watchdog, has raised serious alarm over the growing trend of security checkpoint proliferation, systematic extortion, and human rights abuses across Southeast region of Nigeria.
FENRAD notes with deep concern that roads across the five South East states—Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo—have increasingly turned into corridors of intimidation and illegal revenue collection, where motorists, traders, commuters, and transport operators are routinely forced to part with money before being allowed to proceed on their journeys.
Disturbing Scale of Extortion
Independent investigations and civic monitoring reports indicate that nearly 300 checkpoints currently exist across the South East, mounted by a combination of security agencies including the police, military, and other federal security operatives.
On major economic corridors such as Aba–Port Harcourt Road, Owerri–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, commuters reportedly encounter between 25 and 40 checkpoints within short travel distances.
Motorists are often compelled to pay between ₦100 and ₦5,000 per checkpoint, depending on the type of vehicle and the discretion of security personnel.
Cumulatively, investigations suggest that illegal roadside collections across Nigeria may exceed ₦1.3 trillion annually, with a significant portion linked to checkpoint operations in the South East.
For commercial drivers traders, and small businesses, these illegal payments have significantly increased transportation costs, inflationary pressure on goods, and economic hardship for citizens already struggling under severe economic conditions.
Human Rights Violations
FENRAD has received numerous complaints from citizens detailing various forms of abuse at these checkpoints, including:
Illegal demands for money without lawful basis
Intimidation and harassment of motorists and passengers
Arbitrary searches of private belongings and mobile phones
Confiscation of vehicle documents
Unlawful detention and threats against those who resist extortion
These practices represent serious violations of Sections 34, 35, 37, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantee the rights to dignity, personal liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement.
They also contradict the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which explicitly prohibits corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful collection of money from members of the public.
FENRAD Berates South East Governors:
FENRAD strongly condemns what it describes as the continued silence and inaction of South East Governors in the face of widespread abuse of their citizens on federal and interstate roads within their jurisdictions.
While the region faces security challenges, the over-securitization of the South East without adequate accountability has created fertile ground for corruption, impunity, and institutional misconduct.
The Governors, as Chief Security Officers of their respective states, cannot continue to remain silent while citizens are subjected to daily humiliation and economic exploitation on public roads.
FENRAD therefore calls on the South East Governors to collectively engage the Federal Government and security leadership to urgently review and reform security operations in the region.
Call to the Inspector-General of Police:
FENRAD calls on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately implement comprehensive reforms in highway policing operations in the South East
FENRAD recommends:
Immediate audit and dismantling of illegal and redundant checkpoints across the region
Transition from excessive roadblocks to intelligence-driven policing strategies
Deployment of body cameras and digital accountability tools for highway patrol officers
Creation of accessible complaint channels for motorists and citizens.
Strict disciplinary measures against officers found guilty of extortion and abuse
Call to the Chief of Army Staff;
FENRAD also calls on the Chief of Army Staff to urgently review the conduct of military personnel deployed along federal highways in the South East, following persistent allegations of extortion and harassment of civilians
While the Nigerian Army plays a crucial role in national security, any involvement of military personnel in roadsid extortion undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces
FENRAD urges the Army leadership to enforce the provisions of the Armed Forces Act, ensuring that personnel found guilty of misconduct face appropriate disciplinary action.
Demand for Immediate Withdrawal of Revenue-Driven Checkpoints
FENRAD demands the immediate withdrawal of unnecessary and revenue-driven checkpoints across the South East and their replacement with modern intelligence-led security approaches that prioritize professionalism, efficiency, and respect for human rights.
Security operations must focus on protecting lives and property—not exploiting citizens who are already grappling with economic hardship.
The South East cannot continue to function as a region where citizens must pay illegal tolls to move from one community to another. Security checkpoints must not become cash points.
The Federal Government must urgently address this menace and restore discipline among security personnel deployed in the region.
Conclusion:
The people of the South East deserve security that protects their rights, supports economic activity, and upholds the rule of law
FENRAD reiterates its commitment to civic monitoring, public accountability, and the defense of democratic freedoms, and will continue to engage relevant authorities until meaningful reforms are implemented.
