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.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized Nigeria’s current leadership, claiming that the country has become a “failed state” due to the policies of his successors, former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu. He argued that their leadership has led Nigeria into a state of chaos, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Obasanjo made these remarks during a speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States. The forum, which honors the late Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, hosted Obasanjo’s keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” which was delivered via a pre-recorded video. Although Obasanjo did not directly name the two leaders, he referenced their popular nicknames: “Baba-go-slow” for Buhari and “Emilokan” for Tinubu, both of which have been used by their critics. According to Obasanjo, the situation in Nigeria is dire, marked by widespread corruption and immorality that has worsened the country’s instability, youth unrest, and underdevelopment. He emphasized that the “failed state” status of Nigeria is evident in the consequences of pervasive corruption, incompetence, and injustice. Obasanjo also criticized the Nigerian judiciary, claiming it has been compromised by politicians as part of a larger “state capture.” He argued that the judiciary, once respected internationally, has now become a tool for political manipulation. He pointed out that politicians often encourage their rivals to “go to court” after rigging elections, knowing that they can rely on a compromised judicial system. Obasanjo likened this situation to a cancerous growth that needs to be excised from Nigeria. In addition, Obasanjo spoke about how the political elite continues to exploit the nation’s resources for personal gain. He criticized the practice of acquiring national assets at below-market prices and allocating resources to local, regional, and international interests. He also mentioned the continued control of some states by former governors, such as one who, despite leaving office 25 years ago, still holds significant influence in his state. Obasanjo and Tinubu have a long history of political rivalry, which began during Obasanjo’s presidency when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State. Their political animosity continued, with Obasanjo’s party failing to unseat Tinubu in the 2003 elections. The only time they aligned politically was in 2015 when they worked together to oppose the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. Finally, Obasanjo condemned Nigerian politicians for exploiting the country’s widespread poverty and hunger, using “stomach infrastructure” tactics—distributing food and gifts to the poor in exchange for votes. He noted that such practices, funded by looted public funds, take advantage of vulnerable citizens rather than offering real solutions to their long-term problems. In summary, Obasanjo painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, accusing its leaders of corruption, state capture, and neglect of the country’s development needs. READ ALSO:
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Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has called for Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to retire following his recent controversial remarks. Effiong criticized Adeboye’s claim that God intervened to prevent the naira’s exchange rate from rising to N10,000 to $1, describing it as absurd. Effiong argued that prayers have no influence on the exchange rate, which is instead determined by a country’s economic policies, monetary strategies, and productivity. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Effiong wrote: “Pastor Adeboye should retire and step down. His statements about the state of the nation are offensive to reasonable people. It’s important to know when to exit, and Adeboye’s continued support of this inept and oppressive government is a disservice to Christianity.” He continued, “Many Nigerians have stopped attending church because of the hypocrisy and complicity of religious leaders like Adeboye. President Tinubu has spent billions on fuel subsidies despite his previous promises, and his government has done nothing to address the widespread corruption in the oil sector. We are not all easily deceived.” Effiong further criticized Adeboye’s assertion that his prayers were responsible for preventing further devaluation of the naira. He emphasized that exchange rates are influenced by tangible economic factors, not prayer. “Adeboye has been praying for Nigeria and its leaders for years, yet things remain unchanged. Either his prayers are ineffective, or God is not answering him,” Effiong said. He concluded by pointing out that some of the most corrupt politicians in Nigeria are followers of Adeboye. “He needs to take a good look at himself in the mirror,” Effiong added. READ ALSO: Without divine intervention, the exchange rate would have skyrocketed to #10,000 for $1 – Pastor E. A Adebole
