Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Southeast group, Cultural Credibility Development Initiative, has complained to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) about the 'strangulation of Igbo land with checkpoints' and the "suffocation caused by the humongous number of checkpoints in Igboland". The group has demanded that these 'security' posts be reduced by 75 per cent. Security officers at checkpoints have been accused of human rights abuse, including whipping women and searching traditional rulers. Vehicles, from motorcycles to large trucks, are forced to pay varying sums according to type and size of goods. The question is how can the security agencies receive cooperation and intelligence while they behave in ways that generate distrust and ill feeling against them? Modern technology has reduced the human factor in checking people and vehicles for illegal items, but those who would gain from not adopting this method will not let it happen. The menace of extortionate security men at checkpoints is nationwide, and police chiefs have directed their officers and men to desist from mounting checkpoints unless they are approved for specific reasons. In late September 2017, IGP Ibrahim Idris ordered that checkpoints be dismantled to ensure ease of business and free passage of goods and travellers.