BREAKING: Police Arrest 10 Officers for Extortion, Illegal Checkpoints on Badagry-Seme Expressway

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Police Checkpoint 

In a bold move to curb corruption, the Nigerian Police Force has arrested 10 officers for mounting illegal chcheckpoints along the Badagry-Seme Border Expressway. 

The arrests followed numerous complaints from motorists and business owners about rampant extortion by security personnel.  

  

Acting on directives from the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Muhammed Ari Ali, detectives from the Zonal X-Squad, Onikan, Lagos, conducted undercover operations after receiving reports of officers illegally extorting money from travelers.  

AIG Ali, addressing journalists, expressed frustration over the hardship caused by these unauthorized checkpoints:  "When I assumed office, I was inundated with complaints about security agents, especially police officers, extorting money from Nigerians. We launched an investigation, and so far, over 10 officers have been arrested many of whom weren’t even assigned to the area."

The detained officers are currently facing disciplinary action, with possible dismissal and prosecution if found guilty. This crackdown sends a strong message against police misconduct and aligns with ongoing reforms in the force. 

 

-Business Impact: Traders and travelers along the Badagry-Seme route a key trade corridor have long suffered harassment.  

-Police Accountability: The arrests signal a commitment to clean up the force and restore public trust.  

-Security Concerns: Illegal checkpoints create security risks, as unauthorized personnel could be criminals in police uniforms.