Barely one week after we published an investigative report detailing high-level extortion of motorists by security agencies, the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the dismantling of checkpoints across the country.
Mr. Idris’ order comes on the heels of a similar order by the Nigeria military high command.
After weeks of interviews and undercover exploration of the activities of security operatives deployed to checkpoints, they were found to be tacitly sabotaging the government’s efforts to eliminate Boko Haram and grow the nation’s economy.
The report also revealed how soldiers, police, customs, immigration and civil defence operatives frequently receive hefty bribes and turn a blind eye as fuel marketers and smugglers divert truckloads of petrol and foodstuffs to Boko Haram enclaves and neighbouring countries.
Apparently reacting to the report, IGP directed assistant inspectors-general (AIG) and police commissioners (CPs) across the country to ensure no checkpoint including those mounted by revenue agencies are allowed on the nation’s roads and highways.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, made the IGP’s order known while addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday.
The IGP said the move became necessary not to obstruct any road or highway, under the guise of collecting revenue, throughout the period of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
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