In a sweeping directive issued on December 5 (made public on December 11), Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered all security formations to immediately dismantle unauthorised and non-essential static roadblocks on major highways across the country, warning that their proliferation is “undermining operations and putting lives at risk”.
- Target routes: Major arteries including Abuja-Lokoja-Enugu, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, and Lagos-Ore-Benin-Asaba-Niger Bridge.
– Reasons cited: Unchecked checkpoints were disrupting free movement for civilians and security forces, slowing military responses, and exposing troops to unnecessary danger on high-traffic corridors.
- Replacement strategy: Commanders have been told to retain only officially approved control points and replace static posts with “aggressive mobile patrols and enhanced human intelligence gathering” to dominate routes more effectively.
- Authority: The memo was signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff.
The move comes amid mounting public concern over insecurity and traffic gridlock caused by roadblocks — and aligns with Operation WHIRL STROKE’s recent push to secure key areas ahead of the yuletide season.
