As the holiday season approaches, many motorists and passengers in Nigeria face significant challenges on the highways. This time of year brings increased reports of extortion and harassment by various security agencies operating along popular routes. Despite assurances from officials that they are unaware of these activities, many travelers share alarming accounts of being mistreated by law enforcement at checkpoints.
Highways across Nigeria are lined with security personnel from the police, military, Federal Road Safety Corps and Customs, among others. Unfortunately, instead of providing safety, many of these officers appear more focused on collecting bribes. Numerous holidaymakers have reported incidents where they are stopped and coerced into paying money, often using dubious claims as an excuse.
Travelers describe the season as one of exploitation, with numerous checkpoints set up in close proximity to each other. Even with this heightened security presence, the threat of kidnappers remains prevalent. Victims have shared stories that illustrate the psychological and financial burdens placed on them by these unscrupulous security agents.
One engineer traveling from Lagos to Eastern Nigeria recounted his experiences on the road. Upon departing, he was quickly confronted by a series of security checks, where officers demanded bribes under the pretense of routine inspections. Although such demands ranged from small amounts like N200 to N500, the insistence on payment was consistent and aggressive.
He described a particularly distressing encounter at a police checkpoint in Ore, Ondo State. An officer claimed his vehicle’s registration was expired and demanded a fine of N10,000, even though the engineer knew it was valid. To avoid further complications, he reluctantly paid N2,000, a situation mirrored at various military and customs checkpoints he encountered along his journey.
Travelers have taken to social media to share their distressing experiences, highlighting the alarming state of highway travel in Nigeria. One individual reported how armed police officers extorted N1 million from his brother after kidnapping him during a stop-and-search. The officers, instead of carrying out legitimate security duties, intimidated the young man into accessing his bank account and emptying his funds.
Others shared similar experiences, revealing a pattern of corruption and abuse of power among security personnel. Stories of police pointing guns at civilians, demanding payments for nonexistent infractions and threats of violence are common. In one instance, a group of journalists faced harassment from police and local touts while attempting to travel for a funeral.
The negative impact of this rampant extortion should not be underestimated. This culture of fear and distrust diminishes the legitimacy of Nigeria’s security agencies, undermining the very purpose of their existence. Citizens should see these operatives as protectors rather than as threats.
Despite the ongoing issues, the police maintain that their purpose is to ensure citizens’ safety and that deployments along highways were requested by state governors. Police spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized that the officers are not sent to extort but to create a secure environment for travelers.
He invited citizens to report any instances of police misconduct via established complaint mechanisms. Adejobi called on Nigerians to cooperate with law enforcement, while also assuring that measures are being taken to enhance accountability among officers on patrol.
Addressing the root causes of this issue is essential for improvement. Experts recommend comprehensive training for security personnel, technological monitoring at checkpoints, and empowering citizens to report corruption. Implementing a network of CCTV cameras could help deter potential misconduct and ensure transparency in operations.
It remains essential for the government to act decisively against these pervasive issues. Strengthening oversight, increasing accountability and addressing the broader culture of corruption within Nigeria’s security framework are necessary steps to rebuild trust.
Ultimately, the highway experience should serve as a safe passage for all travelers. Clear action is needed to restore confidence in the system. With many Nigerians preparing to journey home during the festive season, the pressure for a safe and corruption free travel experience has never been more critical.