REPS RAISE ALARM OVER UNIDENTIFIED SECURITY OPERATIVES AT SOUTH-EAST, SOUTH-SOUTH CHECKPOINTS

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The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the growing presence of unidentified security operatives manning checkpoints along highways in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.

In a motion presented at plenary, members flagged what they described as the “unregulated deployment” of non-standardised personnel at roadblocks, many of whom lack official insignia or visible identification. The lawmakers said this practice has created an environment of uncertainty and fear among road users, and undermined public trust in legitimate security operations.

The motion cited numerous testimonies from motorists and commuters who reported being stopped by uniformed men at checkpoints who failed to show institutional identification, demanded payments or documentation, and in some cases detained vehicles for extended periods without explanation. These incidents, the House noted, raise questions about which agency is responsible and what oversight mechanisms exist.

Lawmakers argued that the unchecked proliferation of such checkpoints violates the constitutional rights of citizens to free movement, dignity and equal treatment under the law. In particular, residents of the South-East and South-South regions feel disproportionately targeted and harassed, according to the parliamentary submission.

The motion called on the Chairmen of the House Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security to investigate the matter promptly. It further urged the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to provide a detailed breakdown of all checkpoints in the affected regions, the agencies manning them, and the command structure governing them.

In addition, the House resolved to write to the President requesting an executive review of road-block policy in the two geo-political zones, with a view to eliminating unauthorised roadblocks, ensuring proper identification of security personnel and protecting commuters from harassment, extortion and undue delay.

Speaking for the motion, one lawmaker said: “When individuals in uniform stop you on the highway but cannot identify the agency they represent, it becomes difficult to tell whether you are dealing with a law enforcement officer or a rogue actor. This breeds fear, impunity and lack of accountability.”

The resolution underscores the balance between maintaining security on Nigeria’s highways and protecting the rights of citizens. While checkpoints can play a legitimate role in curbing crime, the House emphasised they must operate transparently, with clear agency responsibility, standardised identification, minimal disruption to lawful movement and oversight to prevent abuse.

The matter has been referred to the relevant committees, which are expected to hold hearings and produce a report within the next few weeks.

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