Ministry demands dismantling of check points in Onitsha

 ….Condemns alleged extortion by security operatives 

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (ONICCIMA), has condemned in strong terms the incessant extortion, harassment, intimidation and mounting of road blocks by security operatives and demanded for immediate end to such illegalities that include mounting of dismantling  of road blocks in Onitsha and its environs.

Making the condemnation, its President, Chinedu Nwonu recalled that such actions recently resulted in the August 19, 2026, confrontation between security agents and traders which reportedly resulted in gunshot injuries. 

“This incident led to protests and disruption of traffic and commercial activities for hours causing untold hardship to motorists and travelers on the expressway.

“A similar incident also occurred recently on July 25th, 2026, among other cases of monetary demands, extortion, shootings, blocking of the Bridgehead and protests within the same axis uncountable number of times within the last six years,” Nwonu further revealed.

ONICCIMA expressed deep concern over these recurring incidents of alleged extortion, harassment, intimidation and excessive use of force against traders, transporters, motorists and other road users by law enforcement officers within the Onitsha business community.

According to the President, “While we welcome the decision by the authorities to investigate this particular occurrence, yet, the incident should not be viewed or treated in isolation.

Business men/women and investors traveling to Onitsha have for years complained about multiple checkpoints and illegal collections along major commercial routes into Onitsha and within the city metropolis which serve as a critical disincentive to patronize or invest in this city. 

“This has become more worrisome especially within this period that all efforts in the Chamber are geared towards revitalizing Onitsha as the commercial hub of the South East. 

“The situation has become particularly troubling as a field investigation conducted by staff and members reveal that these checkpoints are positioned on roads leading into and out of all the major markets,

industrial layouts and business areas with traders, commercial vehicles, haulage operators and other road users subjected to repeated stops and monetary demands, and are most active during the rush hours of the morning and evening. 

“This is not to mention the massive gridlock on those axis hence, adding to the stress and frustration of entrepreneurs and workers already heavily buffeted by the prevailing economic downturn.

This creates the unfortunate impression that some security personnel are not merely securing the commercial city but are intentionally targeting business operators. 

“Such a situation is unacceptable in a city whose economy depends heavily on speed, mobility, trade and uninterrupted movement of goods and people.

The proliferation of multiple checkpoints by both official and non-official actors is concerning as it drastically increases the cost of transportation, negatively impacts  business operations, causes unnecessary delays, encourages confrontation and undermines public confidence in security institutions. 

“Much as we align with all the security architecture put in place by the security agencies, we strongly believe that there must be an alignment between security operations and ease of doing business. A cursory observation of their mode of operation at any checkpoint clearly shows that security may be the least consideration. 

“Most sadly, all the road management agencies and field work officers created by the state government have joined the fray, and have even become more brazen in harassing businesses and motorists,” he stated.

The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce therefore demanded for an immediate audit and publication of all security checkpoints in Onitsha’s commercial corridors, including their locations, purposes and formations.

Removal of unauthorized and duplication checkpoints, especially around major markets and business routes, ban on roadside cash collections and unofficial levies from traders, transporters and motorists by law enforcement agents and other government agencies.

Greater accountability through body cameras, duty registers and identifiable patrol teams and an accessible complaint mechanism through which victims can report extortion without fear of retaliation.

Prompt investigation and disciplinary action against officers involved in illegal collections or excessive use of force and regular stakeholder meetings involving the various security agencies, ONICCIMA, market associations and transport unions to review security operations.

 Citywide CCTV camera installation and monitoring in all the flash points, busy routes and commercial areas. 

ONICCIMA said it however supported professional law enforcement and the presence of security personnel to protect lives, property and commerce but warned that such security operations must not be portrayed as a source of fear, harassment, delay or unofficial taxation. 

The Chamber of Commerce reminded that Onitsha is the commercial gateway of the Southeast, and its roads and as such markets must remain safe, accessible and efficient. 

Security, it stated further, should facilitate commerce, not to become an additional cost of doing business and called on relevant authorities to use the Head Bridge incident as a case study for a comprehensive review of checkpoint operations in Onitsha to forestall a confrontation that may develop into a major security crisis.