Benue govt dismantles illegal checkpoints, arrests Civil Protection Guards

Benue State Government has intensified its crackdown on unauthorized security roadblocks by dismantling several illegal checkpoints along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road and arresting members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) found operating them.

The Benue State Government has dismantled multiple illegal checkpoints mounted along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road and ordered the arrest of personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG) involved in the unauthorized operations.

The enforcement exercise was led on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, alongside the State Commander and other senior officers of the BSCPG, as part of efforts to enforce security regulations and guarantee unhindered movement across the state.

A statement released by the Media Aide to the Special Adviser, Comrade Mfa A. Igirgi Jr., said the operation was prompted by growing complaints over the proliferation of illegal checkpoints established by security volunteers on the busy highway.

According to the statement, the Special Adviser explained that the action was in compliance with the directive of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, which prohibits the obstruction of roads except at officially approved security checkpoints.

During the operation, officials dismantled two illegal checkpoints in Aliade. BSCPG operatives found manning the roadblocks were disarmed and taken into custody for further administrative procedures.

The security team also inspected a checkpoint mounted by soldiers at Howe, close to the premises of a Chinese construction company.

The military personnel informed the delegation that they were providing security for the Chinese Harbor Company and its expatriate workers.

The Special Adviser, however, instructed that the checkpoint on the highway be dismantled and advised the soldiers to focus their security operations within the company’s premises instead of occupying the public road.

He observed that unnecessary roadblocks disrupt the free movement of commuters and may even expose road users to security risks, particularly when such checkpoints are abandoned or left without personnel.

Reaffirming the responsibilities of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, the Special Adviser stated that members of the outfit are expected to patrol their communities, provide early warning on emerging threats, and serve as first responders rather than establish roadblocks on highways.

He stressed that BSCPG operatives are only authorized to participate in checkpoint duties when they are working jointly with the Nigeria Police Force or other recognized security agencies.

The Special Adviser further appealed to members of the public to report any BSCPG personnel operating unauthorized checkpoints to either the office of the State Commander or his office for immediate disciplinary action.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Benue State Government to ensuring that security operations are carried out lawfully while protecting residents without disrupting legitimate movement or creating opportunities for criminal activities.