The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has intensified efforts to rid major highways of unauthorised police roadblocks, directing officers to dismantle any checkpoint operating outside approved guidelines.
Adepoju issued the directive during an inspection tour of police formations and checkpoints across the state, a move aimed at reinforcing professionalism and curbing complaints of extortion and harassment by security personnel.
During a stop at the Rivers-Imo boundary, the police chief stressed that officers must carry out their duties without creating obstacles for motorists or disrupting traffic movement. He noted that police visibility remains important for security but should not translate into unnecessary hardship for road users.
He said, “We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic.
“So far, compliance has been encouraging, and with sustained monitoring, things will get even better.”
According to him, the number of checkpoints along the corridor has dropped significantly, while those found operating illegally were immediately removed.
Adepoju explained that the inspection exercise was in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who recently instructed police commands nationwide to ensure officers maintain discipline, wear proper uniforms and avoid acts capable of damaging the Force’s reputation.
“We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed, and have their name tags displayed.
“And also to ensure that they are not extorting members of the public,” he added.
The commissioner warned that officers who disregard the directive would face sanctions. He revealed that some personnel had already been identified for reporting to duty without complete uniforms or visible identification tags.
According to him, “Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed to their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters.”
He further directed senior officers and unit commanders to strengthen supervision and ensure compliance with operational standards across the state.
Adepoju also encouraged residents to report any officer involved in misconduct or extortion through official complaint channels provided by the police.
“If anyone encounters an officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them, they should report such conduct through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he advised.
The monitoring exercise covered several checkpoints along the East-West Road in Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas and involved top officers from various tactical and operational units within the command.
The initiative forms part of broader nationwide efforts by the police leadership to eliminate illegal checkpoints and improve public confidence in law enforcement operations.