DHQ orders immediate removal of unapproved roadblocks nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered the immediate removal of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in the country, citing concerns over operational inefficiency and risks to civilians and security personnel.

The directive, contained in an internal memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, noted the “growing proliferation” of unapproved checkpoints along key routes within various Joint Operations Areas (JOAs).

According to the communication, while securing road corridors remains critical, the increasing number of unauthorized checkpoints now “undermines operational efficiency, disrupts the free movement of civilians and security forces, and exposes troops to unnecessary risks.”

Affected routes include 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, among others.

The DHQ therefore directed Theatre and Force Commanders to ensure the “immediate dismantling” of all non-essential and unauthorized roadblocks under their areas of responsibility.

Commanders were also instructed to maintain only officially approved control points and replace unnecessary static posts with increased mobile patrols and intelligence-driven operations.

They are further mandated to “ensure strict compliance with approved control point locations, retain only those required for operational purposes, and dominate the routes with aggressive mobile patrols and enhanced human intelligence gathering.”

The directive comes at a time of heightened public concern over rising insecurity across the country.