Nearly 200 Security Checkpoints in South-East Nigeria Extort Citizens ₦1.3 Trillion Annually – FENRAD

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has raised serious concerns over widespread extortion and human rights abuses at security checkpoints across South-East Nigeria.

In a statement, Executive Director Nelson Nnanna Nwafor said nearly 200 checkpoints across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states are allegedly turning major roads into informal toll points. Motorists, traders, commuters, and transport operators are reportedly forced to pay between ₦100 and ₦5,000 per checkpoint.

FENRAD’s survey indicates the following distribution of checkpoints: Abia – 37, Imo – 30, Anambra – 30, Enugu – 40, and Ebonyi – 40. Key routes affected include the Aba–Port Harcourt Road, Owerri–Onitsha Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, where travelers may encounter up to 40 checkpoints over short distances.

The group estimates that these illegal roadside collections could account for more than ₦1.3 trillion annually, with a significant share linked to the South-East. The practice has increased transportation costs, driving up prices for goods and worsening economic hardship for citizens.

FENRAD reported multiple abuses, including unlawful demands for money, intimidation, arbitrary searches of personal property and phones, confiscation of vehicle documents, unlawful detention, and threats against those who resist payments. According to the group, these practices violate constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement, as well as provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

The organization also criticized state governors for failing to intervene. “Over-securitization without accountability has created fertile ground for corruption and abuse,” the statement read. FENRAD urged governors to engage federal authorities to review security operations and called on the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army to implement reforms, including intelligence-driven patrols, body cameras, digital accountability tools, accessible complaint channels, and strict disciplinary measures against offending officers.

FENRAD further recommended withdrawing “unnecessary and revenue-driven checkpoints” in favor of strategies that prioritize professionalism, efficiency, and respect for human rights.

“Security operations must protect lives and property, not exploit citizens already grappling with economic hardship,” the group said.