There are concerns over the removal of the checkpoints mounted by the military to prevent free movement of the members of the Boko Haram sect.
The checkpoints were dismantled across the country last month on the order of President Mohammadu Buhari after complaints in some quarters over there inconveniences to citizens.
However, since the removal of the checkpoints, members of the sect have carried out intensified suicide bombings in many cities of the North.
Such attacks have occurred in Borno, Yobe, Plateau and Kaduna states, thereby fuelling fears that the insurgents might exploit the opportunity of checkpoints removal to launch further attacks on soft targets in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Some security experts, who spoke with our correspondents on condition of anonymity, said the military was left with no other option than to carry out the directive.
Reservations were however expressed over the merits of the decision. One of the security experts said, “Well, it was a presidential directive which must be obeyed. What other thing do you think should have been done?
“Of course, there could be repercussions, the checkpoints had their advantages. What I can say is that we are observing.”
However, there are indications that the President and those in charge of the nation’s security might revisit the issue.
Amid growing resentment about the removal of the checkpoints, an Abuja-based media consultancy outfit for the Nigerian military, PR Nigeria, said in a statement on Thursday that Buhari never ordered the removal of all military checkpoints.
The National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), was quoted as having said during a meeting with security chiefs in Abuja on Thursday, that roadblocks in flashpoints would be maintained while those in peaceful areas would be positioned in a way that would not obstruct the roads.
The NSA was also said to have urged the citizenry to be patient with the decision of the government to heighten security measures to secure the society.
Dasuki was also quoted as having said that the arrests of the masterminds of some of the bomb attacks in Jos and Zaria by security operatives at the military checkpoints in Gombe showed the importance of the checkpoints in vulnerable areas.
He said that steps would be taken to minimise the inconveniences caused the by the checkpoints through the procurement of equipment.
The NSA also said that efforts would be made to ensure that the checkpoints were not exploited to extort money from motorists.
“We will continue to ensure that the necessary or essential security checkpoints are not avenues for extortion, indiscipline and other forms of corrupt practices that can exacerbate traffic flow and cause road accidents.
“With effective use of technology which minimises physical contacts between security personnel and citizens, the time spent at designated security checkpoints will ultimately be reduced,” he was quoted as saying. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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D govt of the day has shown how confused they are, how could they order the removed of checkpoint? When you don't have modalities in place to check the movement of this bedevil Boko haram, well Fani Koyode said Mr president has always have sympathy for dis group becous they are from the north! Mr president should not create doubt in our heart about it,
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