By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY, LAGOS – In a landmark move to restore public trust and stimulate economic growth, a major youth and security summit in Badagry has resolved to dismantle the proliferation of illegal checkpoints that have long plagued the border community, hampering trade and tourism.
The Badagry Youth & Security Summit, held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at Suntan Beach, was a collaborative effort convened by the Executive Chairman of Badagry West Local Council Development Area, Hon. Rauf Ibrahim Kayode Yemaren, with Hon. Babatunde Hunpe the Executive chairman Badagry Local Government and facilitated by Comrade David Aladeotan, Vice Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) for Lagos West.
The high-stakes meeting saw unprecedented participation from heads of the Nigeria Customs Service, Immigration, NDLEA, NSCDC, the Nigeria Police, and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch.
In his powerful opening address, Comrade David Aladeotan set a tone of collaboration, not confrontation. He expressed deep gratitude to the security agencies for their service and sacrifices, while firmly stating the summit's purpose: to confront issues of "abuse of power, unlawful extortion, and the increasing number of checkpoints." He emphasized that true security is a "collective duty" that thrives on "mutual respect between citizens and those who protect them."
Key Resolutions: Streamlining Security for Progress
Under the theme “Strengthening Security Without Abuse and Extortion,” the summit produced a robust set of resolutions. A central directive mandates the Nigeria Customs Service to maintain only two legally recognized checkpoints in the entire Badagry area: Gbaji and Agbara.
The summit declared that the current proliferation of checkpoints is unjustified and directly undermines the region's economic potential by discouraging tourism, trade, and commerce.
Curbing Excesses and Protecting Citizens
The resolutions specifically targeted operational misconduct. It was declared unlawful for Customs officers to burgle shops or homes in search of contraband, a practice that should be confined to the borders.
The summit also declared the infamous “Can Boys” as persona non grata, stating they have no official business at checkpoints. Furthermore, any stop-and-search operations at identified black spots must be officially communicated to the public to ensure transparency.
Institutionalizing Accountability and Training
To ensure lasting change, the summit called for the establishment of a Security Monitoring Committee to tackle challenges and monitor illegal checkpoints. It was also resolved that officers supporting or operating illegal checkpoints must be identified and sanctioned.
Security personnel at authorized points will undergo periodic re-training on professionalism and human relations. A quarterly security evaluation meeting involving all agencies and youth representatives will be institutionalized to foster ongoing collaboration.
A New Dawn for Badagry’s Economy and Youth
Looking beyond immediate security concerns, the resolutions highlighted tourism development as a key strategy for youth empowerment, aiming to engage young people productively and reduce vulnerability to crime.
An Electricity Infrastructure Monitoring Committee was also proposed to safeguard power installations. Stakeholders affirmed that resolving the checkpoint crisis and other security challenges requires the collective action of all Badagry indigenes, signaling a new dawn for the historic border community.