Group Petitions IG Over Alleged Police Extortion Of Tokunbo Vehicle Drivers

A clearing agents group, Kayfar Freight Forwarding Forum (KFF Forum) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) over the alleged extortion and harassment of drivers transporting newly imported vehicles from the nation’s seaports under the ongoing nationwide enforcement against unregistered vehicles.

In a letter dated June 16, 2026, the association appealed to the police chief to urgently intervene, alleging that some officers have turned the enforcement exercise into an avenue for extorting freight forwarders, clearing agents and drivers conveying imported vehicles to their destinations.

The forum said while it supports the police directive aimed at tackling insecurity and criminal activities, the implementation of the policy has negatively affected legitimate operators in the maritime sector.

The letter, signed by the mational coordinator of the forum, Dr. Kayode Farinto, who congratulated the IGP on his appointment and expressed confidence in his commitment to reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

KFF Forum commended the directive ordering police commands nationwide to impound unregistered vehicles, describing it as a proactive measure that could help combat crimes such as kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.

However, the association argued that some police officers have failed to distinguish between unregistered vehicles illegally operating on public roads and newly imported vehicles that have just been cleared from the ports and are being transported to owners, dealerships or other designated locations.

According to the forum, drivers of imported vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo” vehicles, are increasingly being stopped, harassed and allegedly compelled to make illegal payments despite carrying vehicles that are yet to undergo registration procedures.

The association specifically pointed to police formations around the Lagos ports, alleging that officers stationed along port access routes, including personnel attached to the Area ‘B’ Police Command, frequently intercept vehicles being conveyed from the ports.

KFF Forum maintained that newly imported vehicles should not be subjected to the same enforcement measures as vehicles deliberately operating on public roads without registration, noting that registration can only take place after the vehicles have been legally cleared from the ports.

The group warned that continued harassment of freight forwarders and transporters could disrupt cargo evacuation activities and further increase the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports.

To address the situation, the association urged the Inspector-General of Police to issue a clear operational directive exempting newly imported vehicles in transit from the ports from the ongoing enforcement exercise.

It said such clarification would prevent abuse of the directive, protect legitimate port users from avoidable losses and ensure that law enforcement agencies remain focused on the primary objective of combating insecurity and criminal activities across the country.