The Commissioner of Police (CP), Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, has ordered the immediate dismantling of all illegal checkpoints, roadblocks, and unauthorised revenue collection points across the State.
There have been concerns about the proliferation of roadblocks mounted by officers and men of the Nigeria Police across the state.
DSP Udeme Edet, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Police Command, says in a statement that the order “affects all routes, with particular emphasis on the federal highways, including Makurdi-Lafia, Makurdi-Gboko, Ugbema-Vandeikya, Gboko-Aliade, and Otukpo-Otukpa roads.”
According to the statement, the measure is aimed at enhancing public safety, easing the free flow of traffic, and curbing incidents of harassment, extortion, and other unwholesome practices that commuters encounter on Benue roads.
It adds that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Unit Commanders are mandated “to ensure strict and immediate compliance within their areas of responsibility.”
Only security checkpoints duly approved by appropriate authorities and manned by relevant security agencies with a full complement and proper identification will be permitted to operate in the state, the statement explained.
Earlier at his maiden press briefing, CP Nwadiogbu warned that there would be no room for criminals to operate in the state under his watch.
While acknowledging that security is the responsibility of all, CP Nwadiogbu urged residents to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly provide credible information to help prevent crime and protect lives.
Giving the summary of his achievements since taking charge of the command, CP Nwadiogbu said his command has arrested 10 suspects, rescued eight victims, neutralised three armed robbery suspects, recovered 17 firearms, 36 ammunition, and a military camouflage.
