House of Reps Decries Excessive Checkpoints on Onitsha-Enugu Expressway

The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over the excessive security checkpoints along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway and allegations of extortion targeting commercial drivers on the route. During Thursday’s plenary, lawmakers urged security agencies to reduce the number of checkpoints and ensure their personnel operate within the law, avoiding harassment or exploitation of citizens.

This resolution followed a motion by Hon. Amobi Oga, who highlighted the adverse effects of these checkpoints on the socio-economic life of the region. In his presentation, Hon. Oga noted that the 105-kilometer stretch between Onitsha and Enugu hosts approximately 28 security checkpoints—roughly one every 3.7 kilometers. He described notable checkpoints at Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill, where travelers are subjected to delays, harassment, and extortion.

The lawmaker emphasized that this situation violates the constitutional right to free movement, as enshrined in Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution, and undermines the dignity of the people, particularly in the South-East, where such high levels of militarization are more pronounced. He criticized the checkpoints as counterproductive, arguing that they fail to ensure security but instead impose economic hardship through increased transportation costs and disruptions to trade and investment.

While acknowledging the importance of security, Hon. Oga called for modern, efficient methods that safeguard citizens without violating their rights. He urged for measures to reduce the checkpoints and replace them with community-based security strategies and improved intelligence gathering.

The House mandated its Committees on Defence, Army, Police Affairs, and National Security to engage with service chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to explore alternative strategies that avoid undue hardship for road users. It also directed the Committee on Road Safety to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to regulate the number of its checkpoints on the expressway.

The House resolved to intensify oversight of security operations to ensure adherence to lawful practices, emphasizing that citizens must not be subjected to exploitation or harassment in the name of security.