Reactions to Rivers Police Crackdown on Roadblocks

The action of the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, confronting police officers accused of mounting an illegal roadblock in Port Harcourt has sparked widespread reaction, with Nigerians divided over whether the move represents genuine reform or another temporary intervention.

Key Highlights:

The incident occurred on Tuesday during a routine inspection by the commissioner of police, where he reportedly found some police officers blocking a highway.

In the video that has since circulated online, Adepoju is seen challenging the police officers and directing them to immediately remove the obstruction.

The police commissioner’s action is said to be in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, banning unauthorised checkpoints and roadblocks across the country.

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Adepoju’s intervention was praised by some observers who viewed it as a demonstration of leadership and a commitment to addressing complaints of harassment, extortion, and inconvenience faced by motorists.

However, several Nigerians took to X to question why police officers were still operating illegal checkpoints if the directive from the police hierarchy had already been issued.

Reacting to the development, @tunman2023 criticised the situation, arguing that the incident raised concerns about internal communication and enforcement within the police structure.

“There is nothing glad to see here. It means even the police cannot verify if the IG’s directives are implemented or not. Talking about “you did not hear the IG of police said you should not…”

Another user, @igbana69, doubted whether the directive was being effectively implemented nationwide, citing alleged experiences in Abuja.

“I don’t think there is such order in place. In Abuja FCT before around Jordan FM before Ushafa bridge is sometimes blocked by the police while the FRSC join in using it. If there is an order, it should be followed and monitored.”

Meanwhile, @obrmsrophreall claimed that illegal checkpoints remained a common issue along major routes, stating:

“There’s always a police illegal checkpoints in every 100 meters in the Federal Road between Rivers State & Bayelsa State.”

The conversation also extended to other regions, as @Ezeluchie questioned whether similar enforcement was happening across police commands in the Southeast.

“Are the @PoliceNG Commands in the Southeast region immune from IGP Disu’s order being implemented by the Cross Rivers CP? Is CP Audu Garba Bosso of Imo State not aware of this? @chekwube_henry, please bring this to your Commands attention a.s.a.p.”

While some comments expressed scepticism, others applauded the commissioner but called for more permanent measures.

@Arcsadam said the commissioner deserved recognition for taking action but stressed that accountability should go beyond public confrontation.

“The Commissioner of Police deserves commendation for taking action, but beyond confrontation, there should be proper monitoring and discipline to ensure officers do not repeat such acts. Any officer found abusing their position should face appropriate sanctions. A responsible police force should protect and serve the people, not become another source of inconvenience.”

Adding to the criticism, @Inecheonogudu argued that stronger punishment for erring officers was necessary to prevent a return to the same practices.

“Police are not adequately punished for erring like the military are. If they were, must of the rubbish would have ended. Come back to that road next month, it will be blocked.”

The reactions have renewed discussions about police accountability, enforcement of official directives, and the need for sustained monitoring to end illegal checkpoints and alleged extortion on Nigerian roads.