Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, on Monday led a statewide inspection of police checkpoints and ordered the immediate dismantling of unauthorised roadblocks, as the command intensified enforcement of the Inspector‑General of Police’s directive banning extortion, illegal roadblocks and misconduct by officers on highways.
The inspection tour covered checkpoints along the East‑West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas, as well as routes near the Rivers‑Imo boundary, where the CP personally assessed the conduct of officers on duty. He was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mobile Police Squadron Commanders, heads of tactical units, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
Speaking during the operation at the Rivers‑Imo boundary, CP Adepoju emphasised that the inspection was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who ordered commissioners of police nationwide to ensure officers on duty were properly dressed, wore visible name tags, and refrained from extorting members of the public. “We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector‑General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed with their name tags displayed, and are not extorting members of the public,” Adepoju stated.
The IGP’s directive, issued in April 2026, specifically outlawed the routine collection of money from motorists on highways, the operation of unauthorised checkpoints, and the practice of arresting citizens and forcing them to withdraw cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). CP Adepoju’s statewide tour was part of a broader effort to enforce these orders and restore public confidence in the police force.
The CP disclosed that the number of checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced significantly, adding that the few roadblocks encountered during the inspection were dismantled immediately. “We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop‑and‑search operations without obstructing traffic,” he said. He noted that compliance had been encouraging and that with sustained monitoring, the situation would improve further.
CP Adepoju warned that officers found violating the directive would face disciplinary measures. Personnel who appeared on duty without proper uniforms or name tags had already been identified for further action. “Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed on their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters,” he said. He stressed that routine inspections remain an essential responsibility of police leadership to ensure officers perform their duties professionally and in line with the operational guidelines of the Force.
The CP also called on members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out legitimate stop‑and‑search duties, emphasising that police presence on highways is primarily intended to safeguard lives and property. “I advise members of the public to understand that the police are on the roads for their safety. Whenever officers flag them down, they should cooperate with them,” he said. He urged citizens to report any officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room.
The Rivers State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the enforcement exercise, with commanders and heads of departments directed to intensify supervision of officers under their jurisdictions.
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