The Police High Command has clarified that state governors are aware of the roadblocks set up by its officers, whether on major highways or intercity roads within their jurisdictions,Daily Trust reports.
The Force spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known during a joint press briefing of security agency representatives held at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja. The briefing, organized by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) and led by ONSA Director of Legal Services, Zakari Mijinyawa, included officials from the military, fire service, and FRSC, among others.
Addressing concerns about kidnapping incidents on major highways, particularly in the South East, Adejobi explained that the police had strategically deployed officers to ensure safety and prevent criminal activities.
“We have deployed strategically across the country not to intimidate anyone but to secure our major highways, routes, and communities,” he said.
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Adejobi also clarified the terminology used, emphasizing that the force does not maintain “roadblocks” but instead operates “stop-and-search points” and “nipping points.” He added that roadblocks involving physical obstructions, such as logs or drums, are only implemented at the request of state governors.
“No command will establish roadblocks without the consent of the governor. In some states, governors have formally sought permission from the Inspector-General of Police for such measures,” Adejobi stated.
He reassured Nigerians that senior police officers do not assign patrol duties to generate revenue, urging citizens to report any officer engaging in misconduct using the publicized helplines and complaint response platforms.
“For now, stop-and-search points remain necessary for the safety of road users until better systems, like automated highway monitoring with cameras, are in place. These measures are for the protection of our people,” he added.
Adejobi emphasized that any misbehavior by officers should be reported, as senior officials in the police force do not authorize or condone extortion. “Apart from Customs, which deals with revenue, no agency, especially the police, sends officers out to collect money for personal gain,” he concluded.
