Security Forces Mounting Irresponsible Checkpoints Across Nigeria — Peter Obi
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the increasing number of security checkpoints across Nigeria, describing many of them as irresponsible, poorly managed, and counterproductive to national safety and economic activity.
In a statement addressing the state of internal security, Obi lamented that while checkpoints are meant to enhance protection, their current implementation has instead become a source of harassment, delays, and fear for ordinary Nigerians. He noted that excessive roadblocks mounted without proper coordination often disrupt movement, discourage productivity, and undermine public trust in security institutions.
According to Obi, the unchecked proliferation of checkpoints has also affected businesses and interstate travel, worsening the already fragile economic situation. He argued that security measures must be intelligence-driven and professional, rather than relying on constant physical roadblocks that inconvenience citizens without delivering real security outcomes.
The former Anambra State governor urged the Federal Government and security leadership to review current practices, emphasising that effective security should focus on technology, intelligence gathering, and accountability, not actions that further burden law-abiding Nigerians.
Obi’s comments have sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians sharing personal experiences of prolonged delays, extortion allegations, and inconsistent conduct at checkpoints across major highways.
As the debate continues, pressure is mounting on security agencies to balance enforcement with professionalism while restoring public confidence in their operations.
