JUST IN: DHQ Orders Immediate Removal of Non-Essential Roadblocks Nationwide

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has directed all commanders to immediately take down non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major national routes, following internal concerns about their rapid increase and the risks they pose. An internal memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu urged field commanders to clear any static posts not approved for core security functions, noting that their spread has begun to hinder troop movement, inconvenience travellers, and expose personnel to avoidable danger.

The communication highlighted key corridors where unapproved checkpoints have multiplied, including Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu; Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti–Ikole Ekiti; Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge. While acknowledging the importance of road security operations, the Defence Headquarters stressed that only officially designated control points may remain in place.

Commanders have been instructed to shift from fixed positions to more agile, intelligence-driven patrols aimed at monitoring wider stretches of roadway. The directive emphasizes mobile operations and improved human intelligence gathering as the preferred approach to maintaining safety.

The order comes at a time of heightened public concern over national security and the efficiency of ongoing military operations.