The House of Representatives has called on security agencies to reduce the excessive security checkpoints on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway

It mandated the Committees on Defence, Army, and Police Affairs to dialogue with the Service Chiefs and the Inspector General of Police to explore alternative security strategies that will not subject people to hardship or violate their constitutional rights.

The House further mandated the Committee on National Security and Intelligence to engage its relevant agencies and advocate for community-based security initiatives and improved intelligence gathering to effectively address regional security concerns.

It also mandated the Committees on Defence, Police Affairs, and National Security to intensify strict oversight to ensure that security operatives act within the bounds of the law and do not use their positions to harass or exploit citizens.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah.

The House noted that Nigeria?s security agencies, including the Nigeria Army, Police Force, and FRSC, primarily operate checkpoints on major roads, with the distance between Onitsha and Enugu being approximately 100 km.

The House said it was aware that the distance between Onitsha and Enugu is approximately 105 kilometres with about 28 security checkpoints with an average of 3.7 km each in the following locations; Awkuzu Junction, Amawbia Junction, Ugwuoba Boundary, Oji River Junction, and Onyeama Hill thus subjecting travellers to constant harassment, delays, and extortions.

It also noted that the mounting of numerous checkpoints along the expressway violates Nigerian citizens? constitutional rights to free movement as enshrined in Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and directly affronts the dignity of the people, especially in the South-East.N

The House worried that these security checkpoints are perceived as tools for harassment, with citizens often forced to pay bribes, negatively impacting socio-economic life by increasing transportation costs, causing delays, and discouraging economic activities.

The House said It was cognizant that the current approach to security, which involves increasing excessive checkpoints is detrimental to the region?s economic stability and it?s counterproductive.

It also said It was cognizant of the need to advocate for modern, efficient security methods that do not cause hardship or violate the constitutional rights of Nigerians. (The Nation)

Update news