The directive, contained in a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, warned that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints was disrupting movement and exposing personnel to avoidable dangers.
According to the statement, “Headquarters has observed a growing proliferation of non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along several routes within the JOA (Joint Operations Area).”
It further noted that while securing roadways remains crucial, the unchecked spread of fixed posts has begun to “undermine operational efficiency and disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces and civilians.”
The communication added that troops manning these checkpoints were being placed at unnecessary risk, especially along high-traffic corridors such as:
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.
The statement said, “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective JOA.”
Commanders have been directed to ensure compliance only with control points deemed operationally essential.
Instead of stationary deployments, the military will now rely on “aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering” to dominate strategic routes.
The statement emphasised the importance of maintaining only checkpoints approved for specific operational or security purposes.
“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering,” the statement said.
This won't be good ooh
ReplyDeleteAt all..
DeleteMay God help travelers likes us oh
About time.
ReplyDeleteJust hope this will be the best and safe for the common man traveling during this festive period .
ReplyDeleteVery commendable.
ReplyDeleteAt a time the military became the police. They began to collect bribe and extort motorist. Very unprofessional of what the gallant men was known for.
Good a thing the directive came at the appropriate time. The gridlock caused by the military checkpoints was highly frustrating. At least there will be easy and free flow of vehicular movement this festive period.
© TEEJAY
Please leave the multiple checkpoints oh.
ReplyDeleteLeave the multiple checkpoints you say, have you ever traveled on Nigerian roads? Because all they do is to collect bribe of 50 naira and waste drivers time by asking for their car papers and labeling them thieves. It is still Nigerians that are doing themselves because where in the world is there one checkpoint not to talk of multiple. Na una go dey suffer am
Delete16:27, pls where in the world do kidnappers stop travellers on the high way and kidnap a whole vehicle full of passengers??
DeleteRemaining Onitsha to Owerri
DeleteI think they should leave it
ReplyDeleteI hope this is a good move
ReplyDelete