In a decisive move to streamline security operations and mitigate risks to personnel, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued an urgent directive for the immediate removal of all non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints along major highways nationwide.
The order, conveyed through a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, underscores the need to address the inefficiencies and vulnerabilities posed by the unchecked proliferation of such barriers.
"In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective JOA," the memo states, highlighting how these setups disrupt the free movement of civilians and security forces alike while exposing troops to undue dangers.
The directive mandates a shift from static deployments to more dynamic strategies, including aggressive mobile patrols and enhanced human intelligence gathering to maintain dominance over key routes. Commanders at all levels have been tasked with restricting operations solely to pre-approved control points deemed essential for operational and security purposes.
"Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering," the document further instructs.
Effective immediately, the order targets several critical highways, including the Abuja, Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Idah, Otukpa, Obollo Afor, Enugu route; Abuja-Lokoja, Obajana, Kabba, Omuo, Ekiti, Ikole Ekiti; Abuja, Lokoja, Okene, Okpella, Auchi, Benin; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge.
This nationwide enforcement aims to bolster overall road security without compromising efficiency, as the DHQ emphasizes that while vigilance remains paramount, outdated practices must give way to adaptive measures.
As the military ramps up compliance monitoring, the initiative is expected to alleviate longstanding complaints from commuters about delays and harassment at unmonitored checkpoints.
Security analysts have welcomed the move, noting it could enhance response times to threats in Nigeria's vast Joint Operations Areas (JOAs). Further updates on implementation will be provided as field reports emerge from the affected commands.
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