Rivers CP orders removal of illegal police roadblocks

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, on Monday led a statewide inspection of police checkpoints and ordered the immediate removal of unauthorised roadblocks on highways.

The operation was part of efforts to enforce the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, banning extortion, illegal roadblocks and misconduct by police officers.

Speaking during the exercise at the Rivers-Imo boundary, Adepoju said the inspection was aimed at ensuring that officers on highway patrol complied with approved policing standards and maintained professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He urged operatives to refrain from actions that disrupt the free flow of traffic or bring the image of the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

The state police boss disclosed that the number of checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced significantly, adding that the few illegal roadblocks encountered during the inspection were dismantled immediately.

He said, “We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic.

“So far, compliance has been encouraging, and with sustained monitoring, things will get even better.”

Adepoju stressed that the monitoring exercise was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, who ordered Commissioners of Police across the country to ensure that officers on duty were properly dressed, wore visible name tags and refrained from extorting members of the public.

“We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed, and have their name tags displayed.

“And also to ensure that they are not extorting members of the public,” he added.

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Adepoju warned that officers found violating the directive would face disciplinary measures, adding that operatives who reported for duty without proper uniforms or name tags had already been identified for appropriate action.

According to him, “Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed to their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters.”

The CP explained that routine inspections remained an essential responsibility of police leadership to ensure that officers under their command performed their duties professionally and in line with the operational guidelines of the Force.

While noting that the enforcement exercise would be sustained, he said commanders and heads of departments had been directed to intensify supervision of officers under their jurisdiction.

Adepoju also called on members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out legitimate stop-and-search duties, emphasising that police presence on highways was aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

“If anyone encounters an officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them, they should report such conduct through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he advised.

Our correspondent reports that the inspection covered checkpoints along the East-West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas of the state.

The commissioner was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mobile Police Squadron Commanders, heads of tactical units and Divisional Police Officers.

The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to enforce compliance with directives aimed at eliminating unauthorised checkpoints, extortion and harassment of motorists across the country.

Police authorities have consistently maintained that while officers are permitted to carry out legitimate stop-and-search operations, such duties must not involve roadblocks or cause unnecessary hardship for road users.