Discover the alarming rise in highway extortion during the festive season in Nigeria. Learn how unchecked abuses by security agents are creating fear and frustration for travellers nationwide. The festive season, a time meant for joy and family reunions, has unfortunately become a nightmare for many Nigerians traveling on the nation’s highways. Travellers face rampant extortion, harassment, and delays at countless roadblocks set up by security agents and local government officials. A Season of Exploitation Every year, holiday travellers are met with an overwhelming presence of security checkpoints across Nigeria. Despite their intended purpose of ensuring safety, these checkpoints often become hubs of exploitation. Motorists and passengers report incidents of intimidation, bribe demands, and even vehicle seizures for alleged infractions. An engineer from Lagos shared his ordeal, recounting numerous encounters with police, military personnel, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials. At nearly every stop, he was forced to pay bribes ranging from ₦200 to ₦500, with one harrowing incident in Ore, Ondo State, where a policeman demanded ₦10,000 for supposedly expired vehicle registration. Unchecked Abuses by Security Agents The abuse is not limited to bribes. Criminals masquerading as security operatives have been reported, adding to the fear and uncertainty on the roads. A social media user narrated how his brother was allegedly kidnapped by police officers in Enugu State and extorted for ₦1 million using a Point of Sale (POS) machine. Similarly, Vanguard Newspaper editors traveling to Benin City recounted being harassed by armed policemen and touts demanding tax and radio receipts. Efforts to report these incidents often yield little to no resolution, as corrupt officers are tipped off and escape accountability. The Impact on Travellers and Public Trust This extortion culture erodes public trust in Nigeria’s security agencies, turning protectors into predators in the eyes of citizens. Travellers are left financially strained, emotionally scarred, and disillusioned about the role of security forces. A lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, remarked:“The police reflect the rot in the political system. Expecting reforms from corrupt leadership is wishful thinking, but we must continue to fight for change.” Authorities Respond but Questions Remain Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi denied allegations of deliberate extortion, explaining that roadblocks—referred to as “stop-and-search points”—are often approved by state governors for security purposes. He urged citizens to report misconduct via the official helplines (09133333785, 09133333786). Despite these assurances, many believe that systemic corruption within Nigeria’s security agencies remains the root cause. Solutions for Safer Roads To address these challenges, experts and travellers have suggested several measures: Conclusion: Restoring Trust on Nigerian Highways The festive season should be a time of celebration, not dread. Addressing the menace of extortion and harassment on Nigerian highways requires urgent and sustained action from both government and citizens. By enforcing transparency, accountability, and innovation, the nation can transform its highways into safe and reliable routes for all. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
IntroductionIn an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director of Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, urged Nigerians to prioritize cybersecurity by refraining from publicly sharing their account numbers. With the festive season in full swing, Olofin emphasized the increased risk of falling victim to financial crimes and highlighted preventive measures to curb such activities. The Risks of Sharing Account Numbers Olofin stressed that public exposure of bank account details could lead to unintended consequences, including legal troubles. He revealed that some individuals have been imprisoned for unknowingly allowing fraudsters to misuse their accounts. “Some people are in prison because they had no idea what someone used their accounts for,” he said. Fraudsters often exploit public information to commit financial crimes, leaving innocent account holders to face the consequences. How Fraudsters Operate Babatunde outlined common tactics used by cybercriminals, including: “Fraudsters do a lot of things. They structure funds and know how internal systems work,” Olofin explained. Moniepoint’s Cybersecurity Measures To combat fraud, Moniepoint is collaborating with key agencies like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Babatunde highlighted the bank’s efforts to enhance fraud detection and prevention: “We’ve built up a transaction monitoring and money laundering team that has set rules internally,” he stated. Fraud in Nigerian Banks: A Growing Concern Recent statistics from the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) reveal an alarming rise in fraud cases across Nigerian banks: Despite these challenges, banks successfully reduced actual losses: Cumulatively, Nigerian banks lost an estimated ₦53.4 billion to fraud in the first nine months of 2024, underscoring the urgent need for heightened vigilance. Conclusion As cyber fraud continues to evolve, individuals must take proactive steps to protect their financial information. Avoid sharing account numbers publicly, remain cautious of suspicious offers, and report any suspected fraudulent activities. Together with robust institutional measures, these actions can help mitigate the growing threat of financial crimes. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
