The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered the removal of illegal roadblocks across major highways in the state following a statewide inspection of police checkpoints.
The exercise, conducted on Monday, formed part of efforts to enforce the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, against extortion, unauthorised checkpoints and other forms of misconduct by police personnel.
According to The Punch, speaking at the Rivers-Imo boundary during the inspection, Adepoju said the operation was designed to assess compliance with approved policing procedures and ensure officers on highway patrols conducted themselves professionally.
He cautioned officers against practices capable of obstructing traffic or tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the commissioner, checkpoints along the Imo boundary had been drastically reduced, while the few unauthorised roadblocks discovered during the exercise were dismantled on the spot.
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 explained that the inspection followed a nationwide directive by the Inspector-General of Police requiring Commissioners of Police to monitor officers on duty and ensure they maintain proper standards of appearance and conduct.
“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.
The police chief warned that officers who fail to comply with the directive would be sanctioned.
He revealed that personnel found without proper uniforms or visible name tags during the inspection had already been identified for disciplinary action.
He said, “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.”
Adepoju noted that regular inspections were a key aspect of police leadership responsibilities, helping to ensure officers operate in line with established professional and operational standards.
He stated that the monitoring exercise would continue, adding that commanders and heads of departments had been instructed to strengthen oversight of personnel under their supervision.
The commissioner also appealed to residents and motorists to cooperate with officers carrying out lawful stop-and-search duties, stressing that highway patrols were intended to protect 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.
The inspection covered checkpoints along the East-West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas.
Adepoju was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Assistant Commissioner of Police overseeing Operations, commanders of the Mobile Police Squadrons, heads of tactical units and Divisional Police Officers.
The exercise comes amid ongoing nationwide efforts by the Inspector-General of Police to eliminate illegal checkpoints, extortion and the harassment of motorists.
Police authorities have repeatedly emphasised that while officers may conduct legitimate stop-and-search operations, such activities must not involve roadblocks or subject road users to unnecessary inconvenience.
