- Extortion at security checkpoints in the South-East region of Nigeria has become a persistent issue.
- Road users are subjected to harassment, intimidation, and humiliation by security personnel, particularly police and soldiers.
- The frequency of checkpoints is alarming, with over 25 security checkpoints along the 105-kilometer stretch from Onitsha to Enugu Express.
- The affected police officer involved in the killing of a young man over a N100 bribe has been disarmed and detained.
Road users in the South-East region of Nigeria are crying out against the persistent extortion they face at security checkpoints. The checkpoints, which are supposed to provide security, have instead become extortion and humiliation points. Security personnel, particularly police and soldiers, are accused of treating road users as if they are illegal immigrants in their own country.
The frequency of checkpoints is alarming, with over 25 security checkpoints along the 105-kilometer stretch from Onitsha to Enugu Express. This translates to a checkpoint every three kilometers, which is unprecedented even in war zones.
Recently, a police officer killed a young man at a checkpoint over his alleged refusal to pay a N100 bribe. The incident has sparked outrage, and the affected police officer has been disarmed and detained for further investigations and internal disciplinary procedures.
The extortion and humiliation at these checkpoints are scaring Igbo people residing outside the region from returning home for Christmas celebrations. The situation is dire, and urgent action is needed to address the issue.
