Nearly 200 Security Checkpoints In South-East Nigeria Extort Citizens ₦1.3Trillion –Report
By Victor Idajili
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised the alarm over widespread extortion, intimidation, and human rights abuses at security checkpoints across Nigeria’s South-East region, accusing security operatives of turning major roads into illegal toll points.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the group said the proliferation of checkpoints across the five South-East states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, has led to systematic extortion of motorists, traders, commuters, and transport operators.
“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,” the group stated.
The group said independent monitoring reports indicated that nearly 200 checkpoints currently exist across the South-East, manned by a combination of security agencies, including the police, military, and other federal security operatives.
FENRAD stated that available data indicated the presence of about 37 checkpoints in Abia, 30 in Imo, 30 in Anambra, 40 in Enugu, and 40 in Ebonyi.
The group noted that commuters travelling along major economic corridors such as the Aba–Port Harcourt Road, Owerri–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and Onitsha–Enugu Expressway often encounter between 25 and 40 checkpoints within short travel distances.
“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,” FENRAD said.
FENRAD added that the illegal collections have significantly increased transportation costs for commercial drivers, traders, and small businesses, thereby worsening inflationary pressure on goods and deepening economic hardship for citizens already struggling under severe economic conditions.
“FENRAD has received numerous complaints from citizens detailing various forms of abuse at these checkpoints, including: Illegal demands for money without a 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,” the statement read.
FENRAD said the practices constitute 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.
The group added that the acts also contradict provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which prohibit corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful collection of money from members of the public.
FENRAD also criticised governors of the South-East states for what it described as their continued silence and inaction in the face of alleged widespread abuse of citizens on federal and interstate roads
“While the region faces genuine security challenges, the over-securitization of the South-East without adequate accountability has created fertile ground for corruption, impunity and institutional misconduct,” the group said.
“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.”
The group urged the governors to collectively engage the Federal Government and security leadership to urgently review security operations in the region.
FENRAD called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to implement immediate reforms to address the alleged abuses.
“FENRAD calls on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately implement comprehensive reforms in highway policing operations in the South-East,’ it said.
The group also recommended a transition from roadblock-heavy policing to intelligence-driven strategies, the deployment of body cameras, and digital accountability tools for highway patrol officers.
It also recommended the creation of accessible complaint channels for motorists and strict disciplinary action against officers found guilty of extortion.
Similarly, FENRAD asked the Chief of Army Staff to review the conduct of military personnel stationed on federal highways 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 roadside extortion undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces,” the group said.
The group demanded the immediate withdrawal of what it described as “unnecessary and revenue-driven checkpoints” across the South-East and their replacement with intelligence-led security approaches that prioritise 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,” FENRAD said.
“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.”
