Rivers CP Dismantles Illegal Roadblocks, Officers Face Sanctions

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has inspected highways and dismantled illegal roadblocks across the state.

In a video circulating on social media, Adepoju was seen stopping at a checkpoint where officers had blocked a highway, causing traffic delays under the pretext of inspecting trucks.

“Why are you blocking the road? You didn’t hear when the commissioner of police said no police officer should block the road anymore for any reason? What’s your name? What’s your rank?” Adepoju asked the officers.

The inspection took place on Monday along the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area and the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Adepoju said the exercise followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordering police commands to end illegal roadblocks, stop extortion of motorists and ensure officers on duty maintain proper conduct.

He said officers found without name tags, wearing improper uniforms or blocking roads without approval would have their details recorded and be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action.

The CP added that unauthorised checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced compared with previous months, while roadblocks encountered during the inspection were immediately removed.

“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic. So far, compliance has been encouraging,” Adepoju said.

Adepoju said he would continue inspecting police operations across the state, warning that officers who violate the directive would face punishment.

He urged residents to cooperate with officers during patrols and report any police personnel involved in misconduct or attempts to collect illegal payments through official complaint channels, including the Police Public Relations Office and police control room.