The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has accused the Nigerian police and military personnel of extorting a staggering ₦21.8 billion from motorists at roadblocks across the South-East geopolitical zone within just two months, from December 2024 to January 2025.
According to Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman of Intersociety, the police force allegedly pocketed ₦15 billion while the military extorted ₦6.8 billion during this period. The report highlights that the most lucrative checkpoints include the Uga Junction and Atani Road Naval checkpoints in Onitsha, Anambra State, where over ₦600 million was reportedly extorted at gunpoint.
Intersociety’s detailed investigation revealed the existence of at least 300 direct military roadblocks and 500 patrol teams operating on South-East roads, with 98% involved in extortion. Each military roadblock reportedly collected an average of ₦100,000 daily, translating to ₦80 million daily or ₦2.4 billion monthly. Police personnel manning approximately 2,500 roadblocks in the region are said to have extorted an average of ₦10.5 billion over the two months, in addition to ₦3.5 billion from barracks extortions and ₦1 billion from other corrupt practices.
The breakdown of police extortion by state includes:
- Imo State: ₦2.94 billion
- Anambra State: ₦2.52 billion
- Abia State: ₦2.1 billion
- Enugu State: ₦1.68 billion
- Ebonyi State: ₦1.26 billion
Umeagbalasi condemned the acts as violations of the Armed Forces Act and the Criminal Code Act, which prescribe jail terms of up to 14 years for military personnel and seven years for police officers involved in extortion. He urged the government to enforce these laws strictly and hold perpetrators accountable to end the widespread abuse.
The report also highlighted a culture of impunity, with security personnel allegedly receiving tacit support from their superiors, enabling the continuation of these illegal activities. Many officers have reportedly amassed wealth through extortion, owning properties across the country.
Intersociety called for the immediate dismantling of these roadblocks, emphasizing that their purpose has shifted from ensuring security to facilitating massive extortion and harassment of South-East residents. The group warned that unless decisive action is taken, the economic and social toll on innocent civilians will continue to worsen.
