The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris has ordered the immediate dismantling of all roadblocks nationwide.
TheNewsGuru.com reports that some of the routes where the order is expected to take effect include; Lagos-Ibadan, Shagamu-Benin, Benin-Onitsha, Okene-Abuja, Kaduna-Kano, Katsina – Kano, Otukpo – Enugu, Enugu – Port Harcourt Express Ways and others.
The police in a statement in Abuja yesterday by the Force Spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood explained that the dismantling would enable ease of doing business in Nigeria, adding that it would safeguard, and guarantee free passage of goods and travelers throughout the country.
The IG also said no Police department, section, squad or unit should mount road block without express permission from him.
The statement read: “Consequently, Assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands, Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands, Heads of Departments, must ensure that every patrol vehicle in their respective Formation carries a conspicuous and legible inscription of Patrol vehicle identification number, and dedicated emergency Phone numbers for ease of identification and report of distress by members of the public.
“The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Border patrol of the Force is specifically directed to ensure compliance with this directive along the Border routes in the country except the few approved points by the Federal Government.
“Furthermore, Police personnel who involve in vehicular Patrol on highways and major roads across the country must wear on their uniforms a bold name tag and service number”
The Statement also said the Special X-Squad teams of the Force have been deployed throughout the country and they are under strict instructions to arrest, investigate and discipline any Police personnel flouting the order.
“The IGP has also directed the Special X-Squads to embark on removal of other forms of illegal blockage and obstructions on Highways and Roads, created by unlawful Revenue/Tax collectors, Road Transport Unions, Labour and Trade related unions inhibiting vehicular movement and smooth passage of passengers and goods, and other road users across the country.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Taxes and Levies act, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 section 2 (2) disallowed any person, including a Tax Authority from mounting a Road block in any part of the Federation for the purposes of collecting any Tax or Levy”.