The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised alarm over what it described as the growing proliferation of security checkpoints, systematic extortion, and human rights abuses across Nigeria’s South East region.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization expressed concern that roads across the five South East states Abia State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State, and Imo State have increasingly turned into corridors of intimidation and illegal revenue collection.
According to the group, motorists, traders, commuters, and transport operators are frequently forced to pay money at security checkpoints before being allowed to continue their journeys.
Disturbing Scale of Extortion
FENRAD cited independent investigations and civic monitoring reports indicating that nearly 200 checkpoints currently exist across the South East, mounted by a combination of security agencies including the police, military, and other federal security operatives.
Monitoring data reviewed by the organization estimates that there are about 37 checkpoints in Abia State, 30 in Imo State, 30 in Anambra State, 40 in Enugu State, and about 40 in Ebonyi State.
The group noted that along major economic routes such as the Aba Port Harcourt Road, Owerri Onitsha Road, EnuguPort Harcourt Expressway, and the 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.
FENRAD said cumulative 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.
The organization added that for commercial drivers, traders, and small businesses, the illegal payments have significantly increased transportation costs, worsened inflation on goods, and deepened economic hardship for citizens already facing difficult economic conditions.
Human Rights Violations
FENRAD said it has received numerous complaints from citizens detailing several forms of abuse at the checkpoints.
These include 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, as well as unlawful detention and threats against those who resist extortion.
According to the group, such practices violate 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.
FENRAD also noted that the actions contradict provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which prohibits corruption, abuse of office, and unlawful collection of money from members of the public.
FENRAD Berates South East Governors
The organization criticized what it described as the continued silence and inaction of governors in the South East despite the widespread abuse of citizens on federal and interstate roads within their jurisdictions.
It stated that while the region faces genuine security challenges, excessive securitization without proper accountability has created opportunities for corruption, impunity, and institutional misconduct.
FENRAD noted that governors, as chief security officers of their respective states, should not remain silent while citizens face daily humiliation and economic exploitation on public roads.
The group therefore called on the governors of the South East states 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 urged the Inspector-General of Police to immediately implement comprehensive reforms in highway policing operations in the South East.
Among its recommendations are the immediate audit and dismantling of illegal and redundant checkpoints across the region, a transition from excessive roadblocks to intelligence-driven policing strategies, deployment of body cameras and digital accountability tools for highway patrol officers, establishment of accessible complaint channels for citizens, and strict disciplinary measures against officers found guilty of extortion and abuse.
Call to the Chief of Army Staff
The organization also called on the Chief of Army Staff to review the conduct of military personnel deployed along federal highways in the South East following persistent allegations of extortion and harassment of civilians.
It said that while the Nigerian Army plays a vital role in national security, any involvement of military personnel in roadside extortion undermines the professionalism and integrity of the Armed Forces.
FENRAD urged the Army leadership to enforce the provisions of the Armed Forces Act to ensure that personnel found guilty of misconduct face appropriate disciplinary action.
Demand for Immediate Reforms
FENRAD demanded the immediate withdrawal of unnecessary and revenue-driven checkpoints across the South East and their replacement with modern intelligence-led security strategies that emphasize professionalism, efficiency, and respect for human rights.
The organization stressed that security operations must focus on protecting lives and property rather than exploiting citizens already struggling 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 statement said.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to civic monitoring, public accountability, and the defense of democratic freedoms, noting that it will continue engaging relevant authorities until meaningful reforms are implemented.
