Governors Aware of Police Roadblocks – Force Headquarters

• The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that state governors are aware of roadblocks set up at their request for security
• Force spokesperson ACP Adejobi emphasized that these are stop-and-search points, not roadblocks, aimed at enhancing safety on highways

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that state governors are fully aware of the roadblocks police officers set up on highways and intercity roads within their jurisdictions.

Force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known while addressing journalists at a joint press briefing organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Abuja.

Representatives of the military, fire service, FRSC, and other agencies attended the event, coordinated by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC).

Responding to concerns about kidnapping and security on major highways, particularly in the South East, Adejobi emphasized that the police have strategically deployed officers to secure major routes and prevent criminal activities.

“Let me clarify that we don’t have roadblocks in Nigeria. We have stop-and-search points, nipping points, and other security measures.

However, where you see physical roadblocks, such as logs or drums, it is usually at the request of the governor of that state. No command can establish roadblocks without the governor’s consent,” he said.

Adejobi assured Nigerians that the police presence on highways is not meant to intimidate citizens but to ensure safety during the festive season. He further revealed that state governors sometimes request these measures to improve local security.

Concerning corruption and misconduct at road checkpoints, Adejobi reiterated that no senior police officer has instructed their subordinates to extort money.

He encouraged Nigerians to report any incidents of harassment or illegal activities through designated police complaint platforms and helplines.

“For now, stop-and-search points remain necessary until better surveillance systems, such as cameras and automated monitoring, are fully deployed on our highways,” Adejobi explained.

He added that the improved security situation has encouraged many Nigerians abroad to return home for the Christmas celebrations without fear.

The force spokesman urged citizens to cooperate with security operatives as they work to maintain peace and safety during the holiday season.