The Nigerian Police Force has ordered the immediate removal of all roadblocks across the country, to allow for free movement of people as well as easy transportation of goods and services.
“IGP Ibrahim Idris has ordered the dismantling of all roadblocks nationwide with immediate effect… The directives became necessary to enable ease of doing business in Nigeria, safeguard, and guarantee free passage of goods and travelers throughout the country,” Police Spokesperson Moshood Jimoh said in a statement.
“To this end, no Police department, section, squad or unit should mount roadblock without the express permission of the Inspector General of Police.”
The statement added that police officers on patrol must put on their uniforms to allow for proper viewing of their names and identification numbers.
The directive not only targeted the police, but also called for the removal of all other forms of road blocks, including those put up by revenue/tax collectors, road transport unions and labour and trade unions.
The police have in the past been accused of using the road blocks to extort money from motorists, taking bribes from perceived offenders before letting them through.
This is not the first time such a directive has been issued. In April this year, the police ordered the removal of illegal roadblocks erected by hoodlums.
The news prompted reactions from Nigerians, some using Twitter to air their opinions;
Roadblocks in Nigeria have been @PoliceNG major source of wealth. I don't see them switching tactics at this time.
— RENTED Victor! (@Purevictor) September 25, 2017
Security operatives in nigeria mount roadblocks not to curb crimes but to extort road users daily and sometimes murder innocent citizens
— Uchenna S Osuchukwu (@Uchez2) September 8, 2017
