Benue dismantles illegal checkpoints, arrests Civil Protection Guards

The Benue State Government has dismantled several illegal checkpoints along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road and arrested members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) found operating them.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, alongside the State Commander and senior officers of the BSCPG, as part of efforts to enforce security directives and ensure the free movement of motorists across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser’s Media Aide, Comrade Mfa A. Igirgi Jr., the exercise followed complaints about the growing number of unauthorised checkpoints mounted by security volunteers along the highway.

The Special Adviser said the operation was in line with the directive of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, which prohibits the erection of roadblocks except at officially approved security checkpoints.

During the exercise, two illegal checkpoints in Aliade were dismantled, while BSCPG personnel found manning them were disarmed and taken into custody for disciplinary action.

The security team also visited Howe, where soldiers had mounted a checkpoint near the premises of a Chinese construction company. The soldiers explained that they were providing security for the company’s facilities and expatriate staff.

However, the Special Adviser directed that the roadblock be removed, instructing the troops to focus on securing the company’s premises instead of restricting movement on the highway.

He said unnecessary checkpoints hinder the free flow of traffic and could expose road users to security risks, particularly when left unattended.

Reiterating the mandate of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the Special Adviser said members of the outfit are expected to patrol their communities, provide early warning on security threats and serve as first responders, rather than establish checkpoints on public roads.

He added that BSCPG personnel are only authorised to participate in checkpoint operations when working jointly with the Nigeria Police Force or other recognised security agencies.

The state government urged residents to report any unauthorised checkpoints operated by BSCPG personnel, assuring that offenders would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

The Special Adviser reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring lawful security operations while protecting residents without disrupting legitimate movement or creating opportunities for criminal activities.