Benue: Police order removal of illegal checkpoints, warn against extortion

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, has ordered the immediate dismantling of all illegal checkpoints, roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection points across the state.
The directive, announced in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, is aimed at improving public safety, ensuring the free flow of traffic and ending the harassment and extortion of commuters by illegal revenue collectors.

According to the statement, the order applies to all routes in the state, with particular attention to major federal highways, including the Makurdi-Lafia, Makurdi-Gboko, Ugbema-Vandeikya, Gboko-Aliade and Otukpo-Otukpa roads.

The Commissioner directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Unit Commanders to ensure immediate compliance within their respective jurisdictions.

He clarified that only security checkpoints duly approved by the appropriate authorities and manned by authorised security personnel with proper identification would be allowed to operate in the state.

Nwadiogbu also urged residents to report cases of extortion, harassment or suspicious checkpoints to the nearest police station, security formation or relevant government agency for prompt action.

He warned that anyone found mounting or operating illegal checkpoints or collecting revenue at unauthorised locations would face disciplinary and legal action in accordance with the law.

The police commissioner reassured residents that the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across Benue State.

He further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, movements, vehicles and other activities through the nearest police station or the Benue State Police Command’s emergency lines.