Akwa Ibom Dismantles Checkpoints After LEADERSHIP Report On Extortion

Commercial transport operators, including minibus drivers, taxi drivers and tricycle operators, have expressed relief following the dismantling of several checkpoints allegedly used by security personnel to extort motorists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The development followed a LEADERSHIP report on widespread extortion by officers and men manning barricades erected for routine vehicle checks along major roads connecting the metropolis.

Our correspondent gathered that several checkpoints along Abak Road, Ikot Ekpene Road, Aka Road and the Uyo city centre had been dismantled, while the officers manning them were withdrawn.

The action was reportedly carried out on the orders of the Commissioner, although the full details of the directive were not immediately available.

The dismantling of the checkpoints is expected to ease the pressure on commercial transport operators who had allegedly faced repeated demands for money at the barricades.

However, further details on the number of checkpoints dismantled and the specific security agencies affected were not immediately available.