Revealed: Security Operatives Turning Southeast Roadblocks into Extortion Points-PSC Chairman Blows Hot

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Hashimu Argungu, has raised alarm over the widespread abuse of office by security personnel deployed to the Southeast region. Argungu decried how roadblocks meant to ensure security have been converted into illegal toll gates where motorists are extorted at gunpoint.

Speaking at the South East Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security and the Public Hearing on Human Rights Violations in Enugu over the weekend, Argungu expressed deep concerns about the growing trend of corruption, extortion, and human rights violations perpetrated by law enforcement agents. The event was organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in partnership with Southeast Civil Society Organisations.

Argungu acknowledged the security challenges posed by groups operating under the guise of freedom fighters but warned that such threats should not serve as an excuse for security operatives to engage in corrupt practices. He lamented that virtually all security agencies stationed in the region have been implicated in acts of bribery and extortion, turning Southeast roads into a nightmare for commuters and businesses.

Security Officers Exploiting Citizens, Ignoring Official Directives

According to the PSC Chairman, the Commission has received numerous reports exposing how officers demand money at various checkpoints, making life unbearable for road users. He stressed that police officers have also continued to meddle in civil disputes for financial gains despite repeated warnings to desist from such illegal engagements.

"The roadblocks mounted by these security agencies have unfortunately turned into toll gates where road users are forced at gunpoint to part with money. The Commission is also aware of serious rights violations by some misguided police officers in the Southeast, who, against repeated directives, continue to involve themselves in civil matters like land disputes, debt recovery, rent collection, and marital disagreements-all for personal financial gain," Argungu stated.

He further revealed that some corrupt officers even manipulate cases, transforming ordinary land disputes into alleged threats to life in order to extort victims. In some cases, the same officers draft petitions on behalf of complainants and then present themselves as mediators, using the situation to exploit both parties financially.

PSC Issues Strong Warning-Dismissal Awaits Corrupt Officers

Argungu made it clear that the PSC would no longer condone acts of indiscipline, warning that errant officers found guilty of these corrupt practices would face dismissal.

"The Southeast must be freed from these gangs of policemen who have found it difficult to work within approved boundaries. The Commission will not hesitate to invoke its disciplinary processes against any officer engaging in corruption and human rights violations," he warned.

He called for collaboration between the NBA, civil society organizations, and relevant stakeholders to ensure peace and security in the region while safeguarding the rights of citizens.

Nigerian Army Reacts, Urges Public to Report Violations

Also speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General O.T. Olatoye, reiterated the military's zero tolerance for human rights abuses. He stated that the Nigerian Army has strict rules of engagement and a Code of Conduct regulating personnel behavior in internal security operations.

According to him, human rights desks have been established across all divisions to receive complaints from the public. He urged citizens to take advantage of these desks and report any act of rights violations by military personnel.

With mounting evidence of corruption and human rights violations in the Southeast, the question remains: Will the PSC's warning finally bring an end to these abuses, or will the security operatives continue business as usual? The coming weeks will tell.