Benue Govt. Dismantles Illegal Checkpoints, Arrests Civil Protection Guards

Benue Govt. Dismantles Illegal Checkpoints, Arrests Civil Protection Guards

By: Zagazola Makama

The Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs has dismantled several illegal checkpoints along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road and ordered the arrest of members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) found manning them.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, was conducted alongside the State Commander and other senior officers of the BSCPG as part of efforts to enforce compliance with security directives and ensure the free flow of traffic across the state.

According to a statement issued by the Media Aide to the Special Adviser, Comrade Mfa A. Igirgi Jr., the operation followed concerns over the increasing number of unauthorized roadblocks mounted by security volunteers along the highway.

The Special Adviser said the exercise was in line with the directive of the Benue State Commissioner of Police that roads should not be obstructed except at officially approved security checkpoints.

During the operation, two illegal checkpoints in Aliade were dismantled, while BSCPG personnel found operating them were disarmed and taken into custody for further administrative action.

The team also visited Howe, where soldiers had mounted a checkpoint near the premises of a Chinese construction company. The soldiers explained that they were providing security for the Chinese Harbor Company and its expatriate staff.

The Special Adviser, however, directed that the roadblock be removed and instructed the soldiers to concentrate on securing the company’s premises rather than occupying the highway.

He noted that unnecessary checkpoints impede the free movement of motorists and could create security vulnerabilities, particularly when left unmanned.

Reiterating the operational mandate of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the Special Adviser said members of the outfit are expected to patrol their communities, provide early warning on security threats and serve as first responders, rather than establish checkpoints on public highways.

He stressed that BSCPG personnel are only permitted to participate in checkpoint operations when working jointly with the Nigeria Police Force or other authorized security agencies.

The Special Adviser urged residents to report any BSCPG personnel operating unauthorized checkpoints to the office of the State Commander or his office for prompt disciplinary action.

He reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment to promoting lawful security operations while ensuring that measures put in place to protect lives and property do not inconvenience law-abiding citizens or create opportunities for criminal activities.

Benue Govt. Dismantles Illegal Checkpoints, Arrests Civil Protection Guards