Yuletide Travel: Travellers Lament Rampant Extortion On Nigerian Highways

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:

Accountability and Oversight: Implement strict monitoring of security agents at checkpoints.
Technology Integration: Use cameras and automated systems to reduce human interactions prone to corruption.
Empowered Reporting Channels: Establish hotlines for reporting extortion with guaranteed whistleblower protection.
Government Action: Federal authorities must address corruption within security agencies and ensure proper training and incentives for personnel.

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.