Extortion, highway robbery: Need for urgent government attention
Some federal highways in Nigeria have become an arena for a distressing trend that has sparked national outrage. Security agencies, including the police, Road Safety Corps, and other security agencies on our highways, have been accused of extorting money from motorists. What was once viewed as a thought-provoking trend among drivers is now a glaring national embarrassment, a shameful blot on the country’s reputation. This extortion is taking place against the backdrop of soaring petrol prices and widespread poverty, amplifying the burden on both drivers and passengers.
For years, drivers and passengers have endured the menace in silence, but the pressure of rising costs and economic hardship has forced many to speak out. “It’s not just the money they take,” said one frustrated driver. “It’s the time we waste and the humiliation we endure. Every stop on the highway feels like a trap.”
To understand the extent of this growing issue, our investigative journalist embarked on a journey along the Calabar-Itu Murtala Muhammed Highway and the Ikot Ekpene–Umuahia Highway. Along these routes, a disturbing pattern emerged. Security checkpoints, ostensibly set up to protect citizens, have become points of exploitation. Passengers are often ordered to disembark from vehicles, creating unnecessary delays and heightening frustrations.
“Why should we suffer for doing nothing wrong?” asked a passenger traveling from Calabar. Her words resonated the feelings of many who shared their experiences during the investigation. At nearly every checkpoint, passengers are subjected to questioning while drivers are coerced into paying what some refer to as a “movement fee.” The sums vary but are significant enough to erode already thin profits for commercial drivers.
A bus driver from Umuahia shared his frustrations: “We’re already struggling to cope with the high cost of petrol. Imagine paying over ₦1300 per liter and then having to budget for bribes on every trip. It’s unsustainable.”
The economic implications are severe. For drivers, extortion eats into their income, leaving little for vehicle maintenance or personal needs. For passengers, the extra costs are often passed on through increased fares. “We’re all victims here,” said another driver. “The system is broken, and the government needs to step in.”
Beyond the financial burden, the emotional toll on travelers is profound. Many described feelings of anger, helplessness, and fear. “Sometimes, they act like they are doing us a favor by letting us go,” said a young man traveling to Ikot Ekpene. “But we shouldn’t have to pay to move freely in our own country.”
Several passengers shared harrowing tales of being left stranded after drivers refused to pay. “They asked everyone to get out of the bus,” said an elderly woman. “The driver argued, and they seized his vehicle. We had to wait for hours before another bus picked us up.”
These incidents expose a larger issue: the lack of accountability within security agencies. Without checks and balances, corrupt practices have flourished, undermining public trust in institutions meant to serve and protect.
Drivers Demand Action-
The drivers are now calling for decisive action. “We’ve had enough,” declared one driver in Ikot Ekpene, who will not want his name mention in the news, “The government must put a stop to this. They should investigate these security agencies and hold them accountable.”
Meanwhile, Proposals from drivers and passengers include stricter oversight of checkpoint operations, regular audits, and anonymous reporting systems to expose corrupt practices. Some have even suggested deploying independent observers to monitor highway checkpoints.
“It’s not just about punishing the guilty,” said a commercial driver. “We need to restore integrity to our roads.”
Experts argue that tackling this issue requires more than punitive measures. It demands a shift in culture and priorities. “Extortion is a symptom of a deeper problem: systemic corruption and poverty,” said a transportation analyst. “Until we address these root causes, we’ll continue to see the same patterns.”
In the meantime, the situation on Nigeria’s highways remains dire. Passengers and drivers are united in their plea for change, but progress has been slow. Many fear that without immediate intervention, the extortion will only escalate, further eroding public confidence in the nation’s institutions.
“We’re not asking for much,” said one passenger. “We just want to travel without fear or harassment. Is that too much to ask?”
The voices from Nigeria’s highways are clear pathetic challenges facing the nation. They are a call to action for leaders, security agencies, and citizens alike to demand better governance and accountability. The question remains: who will answer this call and restore dignity to the roads?
By Akpan Williams
