The Rivers State Commissioner of Police has ordered police officers who mounted an illegal roadblock in the state to dismantle it immediately and reopen the road to motorists.
The confrontation happened after the CP made an unscheduled stop at the location while on a routine patrol. He met officers who had blocked the road, causing gridlock and forcing drivers to negotiate “fares” before passing.
Eyewitnesses say the CP stepped out of his vehicle, approached the officers, and demanded to know who authorized the roadblock. When none of them could provide a valid operational order, he ordered them to clear the barricades “right now” and allow free flow of traffic.
Video clips circulating online show the CP questioning the officers on why they were extorting motorists and turning the road into a “toll gate”. He was heard saying: “Police work is not to inconvenience the public. If you have no directive, you have no business blocking this road. Clear it immediately.”
Within minutes, the officers complied, removed the barricades, and traffic resumed.
Rivers State Police Command has repeatedly warned against unauthorized checkpoints and extortion. The CP reiterated that roadblocks must only be mounted with written approval from the Command, and only for specific operations like manhunts or emergency security threats.
He also warned that any officer caught mounting illegal roadblocks or collecting money from motorists will face disciplinary action. “We are here to protect citizens, not to harass them. Anyone found wanting will be dealt with according to police regulations,” he said.
1. *Public relief*: Motorists and commuters in Rivers have long complained about illegal checkpoints, especially in Port Harcourt and along highways to Obio/Akpor, Eleme, and Oyigbo. Gridlock + extortion has been the pattern.
2. *IGP directive*: The Inspector-General of Police banned routine checkpoints nationwide in 2022, except for those approved for specific operations. The Rivers CP’s action signals zero tolerance for disobedience.
3. *Image repair*: Police say the move is part of efforts to rebuild public trust and improve community relations in the state.
The Command says an internal investigation has started to identify the officers involved and establish who, if anyone, authorized the roadblock. Sanctions are expected for anyone found culpable.
Residents have applauded the CP’s “on-the-spot” intervention. Many are now calling for more unannounced patrols by senior officers to keep erring policemen in check.
For one afternoon, a Rivers road went from extortion point back to public highway — because the CP showed up and said “no more”. The message to police teams across the state: if the roadblock isn’t legal, it won’t stand.