The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a decisive directive ordering all military formations across Nigeria to immediately dismantle unauthorized and non-essential checkpoints on major highways. The decision comes amid growing public concern over insecurity and frequent complaints that the proliferation of roadblocks has slowed travel, compromised safety, and hindered national security operations.
The directive was conveyed through an internal memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff. According to the document, the DHQ observed a significant increase in non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along multiple routes within the Joint Operations Area, prompting urgent action.
While emphasizing the importance of road security operations in maintaining national safety, the DHQ cautioned that the uncontrolled rise of unapproved checkpoints has begun to “undermine operational efficiency, disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces and civilians, and expose troops to unnecessary risks.”
Several major highways were highlighted in the memo as being affected, including the Abuja to Lokoja to Ajaokuta to Idah to Otukpa to Obollo Afor to Enugu route, the Abuja to Lokoja to Obajana to Kabba to Omuo to Ekiti to Ikole Ekiti corridor, the Abuja to Lokoja to Okene to Okpella to Auchi to Benin axis, the Abuja to Kaduna to Kano expressway, and the Lagos to Ore to Benin to Asaba to Niger Bridge route. These highways are among the busiest in Nigeria and have recently been plagued by long queues, extortion allegations, and delays caused by unauthorized checkpoints.
“In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that all commanders are to ensure the immediate dismantling of non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints within their respective Joint Operations Areas,” the DHQ stated.
The Defence Headquarters clarified that only officially approved control points should remain in operation. Commanders were urged to replace static checkpoints with mobile and intelligence-led strategies, which are more effective for detecting criminal activities and responding swiftly to emerging threats along the country’s road networks.
“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational and security purposes,” the memo added. “They are also directed to dominate the spans of the routes with aggressive mobile patrols and continuous human intelligence gathering.”
Security experts have long argued that Nigeria’s reliance on static checkpoints often gives criminals advance warning and limits the ability of security forces to respond quickly to threats. The DHQ’s new directive aligns with broader efforts to modernize the country’s security operations and reduce opportunities for the misuse of checkpoints.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While many Nigerians welcome the move as a positive step toward ending delays, extortion, and harassment at illegal checkpoints, others worry that removing these posts could create security gaps on already dangerous highways.
The DHQ has not yet provided specific details on enforcement measures or timelines. However, the firm language of the memo signals the military’s intent to implement the directive immediately across all affected routes.
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