By Michael Oche
A new research report has revealed widespread harassment, bribery, extortion and other human rights abuses at security checkpoints along highways in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba states, raising concerns about the impact of security operations on public trust and citizens’ fundamental freedoms.
The report, titled Addressing Security Overreach and Corruption at Checkpoints: Safeguarding Civic Space and Human Rights, found that 81 per cent of civilians surveyed had experienced harassment or intimidation at checkpoints, while 74 per cent said they had paid bribes to avoid harassment or delays.
The research was conducted by the Centre for Peace Education and Community Development (CEPEACECODE) in partnership with Dataphyte Foundation, and supported by Funds for Global Human rights and Spaces for Change.
Drawing on surveys of 345 civilians, 21 security operatives and 22 civil society representatives across the three states, the study examined the conduct of security personnel, the experiences of road users and the accountability mechanisms available to victims of misconduct.
According to the report, verbal threats were the most commonly reported form of harassment, affecting 43 per cent of respondents, while bribery or extortion and physical intimidation were each reported by 17 per cent.
It also found that 57 per cent of security operatives surveyed had frequently witnessed colleagues engaging in corrupt practices, suggesting that misconduct at checkpoints remains a concern within the security system.
Speaking at the public presentation of the findings, the Executive Director of CEPEACECODE, Dr Joseph Gimba, said the research was informed by complaints about harassment and extortion along major transport routes linking the North-East to other parts of the country.
Gimba explained that the researchers gathered information from passengers, drivers, transport operators, conductors and civil society organisations, among other stakeholders, to understand the experiences of people who regularly travel through the affected routes.
He said the team also visited motor parks beyond the major government-owned terminals to capture the experiences of operators and passengers using smaller transport hubs.
According to him, the findings showed that some travellers and transport operators avoid certain routes because of the harassment and extortion they encounter at checkpoints.
He cited the experience of motorists travelling from Mubi in Adamawa State towards eastern and southern Nigeria, saying some avoid the more direct route through Taraba because of the difficulties they face along the road.
“These are issues that affect us. We have interface with security agencies. If you travel at night, the harassment is worse,” Gimba said.
He expressed concern that checkpoints, which are intended to protect citizens and prevent crime, were increasingly being perceived as places where road users face exploitation and rights violations.
“When we see checkpoints, we should feel we are safe, but this is not the case. They have become spaces for extortion and rights abuses,” he said.
Beyond financial exploitation, the report identified restrictions on civic freedoms as another concern associated with checkpoint operations.
It found that 69 per cent of respondents believed checkpoints restricted their freedom to attend public gatherings or protests, while 68 per cent said they were uncomfortable expressing political or social opinions at such locations.
The report also stated that 99 per cent of respondents reported that phone calls were prohibited at checkpoints, while 91 per cent said people were punished for making calls.
On accountability, the research found that 93 per cent of civilians surveyed had never reported misconduct by security personnel.
Fear of retaliation and lack of knowledge about where or how to lodge complaints were identified as major barriers preventing victims from seeking redress.
The findings further indicated weaknesses in disciplinary measures for security personnel accused of corruption. More than half of the security operatives surveyed said the usual consequences for such misconduct were verbal warnings or no action, while 43 per cent said suspension or dismissal was enforced.
The report attributed corruption and the misuse of authority at checkpoints to several factors, including poor pay and welfare, weak supervision, ineffective legal and disciplinary mechanisms, and the normalisation of corrupt practices.
It also found that 70 per cent of civilians surveyed did not feel safe interacting with security operatives, while 57 per cent expressed low levels of trust in them.
The researchers noted that although checkpoints remain an important component of Nigeria’s response to terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other security threats, abuses by personnel could undermine public cooperation and weaken confidence in security institutions.
To address the challenges, the report recommended the establishment of independent oversight bodies, improved welfare and training for security personnel, and stricter enforcement of standard operating procedures.
It also called for the use of technology to strengthen monitoring and accountability at checkpoints, alongside greater engagement with civil society organisations and affected communities.
The report stressed that implementing the recommendations would require political will and sustained commitment from relevant institutions to ensure that security operations protect citizens without undermining their rights and freedoms.
In his remarks, Chief Aloga Ogbogo, the Executive Secretary of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NATO) called for the standardization of check points as they provide security.
He, however, said extortion, harassment and humiliation of drivers must stop, noting that checkpoints should serve as a means of security and confidence for travellers, citizens and road users.
He also mentioned that the government should have a special fund for Transport Owners as it is in the aviation and maritime business
