Southeast Nigeria’s security checkpoints: Sites of harassment, extortion, RULAAC

Stanley Ihedigbo

As Christmas approaches, travelers heading to the Southeast region of Nigeria are bracing themselves for the challenges that come with the journey.

While the holiday season is a time for celebration and reunions, travelers to the Southeast often face harassment, extortion, and brutality at the hands of security agencies manning checkpoints and roadblocks along major highways and intercity roads.

Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, lamented that for travelers heading to the Southeast, this period often brings challenges due to negative encounters with security agencies.

In his words,” Stop and search checkpoints and roadblocks at major highways and some intercity roads, set up under the guise of protecting travelers from criminals, frequently becoming sites of harassment, extortion, and brutality.

“It’s crucial to draw the attention of security agency leaders to implement measures that monitor the conduct of operatives at these checkpoints. Ensuring that they operate professionally is vital to preventing them from becoming a source of distress for travelers.

“Urgent action is needed to address the widespread complaints regarding the excesses of security agents at checkpoints along highways and motorways in Southeast Nigeria. Measures such as oversight, training, and accountability must be prioritized to restore public confidence and safety during this holiday season,” he said.

The Human rights activist explained that the security situation in Southeast Nigeria has been marked by rising violence, including clashes between security forces and non-state actors, kidnappings, communal tensions, and human rights violations.

” This climate of insecurity has significant implications for civic space.
Persistent clashes, often linked to separatist movements or criminal gangs, have heightened public fear and disrupted community life.

“Increased militarization and government responses to perceived threats have led to a suppression of free speech, media freedom, and civic activism. Cases of harassment and intimidation of journalists and political dissenters in the Southeast have been documented, including arbitrary arrests, detention, and prosecution on trump-up allegations

“There have been reports of security forces killing individuals outside of the law, eroding public trust. Young people are often arrested and labeled as Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members based on flimsy reasons, such as having tattoos. Those arrested have sometimes disappeared, and there are reports of abuse. Arbitrary arrests create opportunities for extortion.

“Attacks on military checkpoints and police personnel have resulted in the killing of soldiers and police officers. These needless and unjustifiable attacks are only creating a cycle of violence, which may lead to generational atrophy.

“We also note the devastating consequences of security forces’ reprisal attacks on communities in the Southeast. These actions have resulted in collective punishment. Entire communities are penalized for the actions of a few, leading to widespread harm and suffering.

“Reprisal attacks have caused fatalities, injuries, and displacement, leaving communities vulnerable and without access to basic necessities. The destruction of households, properties, and infrastructure has disrupted economic activities, exacerbating poverty and hardship. The attacks have eroded social cohesion, creating an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and division within communities”, he stressed.

Com. Nwanguma further explained that it is essential to recognize that such reprisal attacks are not only morally reprehensible but also counterproductive in addressing the underlying issues driving violence in the region.

” Instead, they perpetuate a cycle of violence, fueling further resentment and instability. The climate of fear and uncertainty undermines trust in political institutions and hampers effective governance.

“Southeast is in dire need of a responsible political leadership that prioritizes the interests of the people. What is currently in place is criminal politics by an organized criminal cabal that is unscrupulous, unconscionably corrupt, unpatriotic, and self-centered only in pursuit of self-enrichment at the expense of the welfare and security of the people. Southeast urgently needs a leadership revolution that puts the people at the forefront, rather than perpetuating a system of corruption and self-interest.

“The government should engage with community leaders, youth organizations, and civil society to address grievances and promote peaceful resolutions. Exclusive focus on military solutions to insecurity has proved to be counterproductive as it fails to address the root causes,” he emphasized.

On the strengthening of security protocols, he said that security sector reform is imperative to ensure that security forces are professional, accountable, impartial, and trained in human rights approaches.

“Citizens should be encouraged to participate in democratic processes and decision-making, fostering a culture of active citizenship. The government should invest in job creation, infrastructure, and social services to address the root causes of unrest and disenfranchisement.

“The government should guarantee protection for journalists and media outlets to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are heard, fostering informed public discourse.

“If concrete steps are taken towards addressing the root causes of insecurity and enhancing civic space, the southeast could experience a decline in violent clashes through peaceful negotiations and effective conflict resolution strategies. An empowered populace actively engaged in governance and civic activities leads to enhanced accountability.

“Security improvement could attract investment and spur economic growth, contributing to a more stable environment. Conversely, failure to address these issues may lead to continued instability, erosion of trust in institutions, and possible escalation of violence. The future largely hinges on the willingness of all stakeholders to prioritize peacebuilding and community engagement,” he added.

The group urged Southeast State Governors to engage with community leaders, youth organizations, and civil society to address grievances.

“This would be a step toward promoting peaceful resolutions and restoring peace, democratic and inclusive governance, and prosperity in Southeast Nigeria”, he stated.