Police Dismantle Illegal Checkpoints On East-West Road

Authorities of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) at the zonal and state levels have embarked on an inspection of checkpoints mounted along the East-West Road in Bayelsa State, resulting in the removal of illegal roadblocks.

The exercise conducted over the weekend was jointly led by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, AIG Johnson Oluwole Adenola, and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor.

During the assessment, several checkpoints found to be illegally mounted by police personnel were dismantled to ensure free flow of traffic and reduce inconvenience to road users.

The police chiefs warned officers against extortion and other unprofessional conduct, stressing that members of the public must be treated with respect while carrying out legitimate security duties.

They also reminded officers that checkpoints are meant to enhance public safety and not to serve as avenues for harassment or illegal collection of money from motorists.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Musa Mohammed, CP Edebor said the inspection was part of ongoing efforts to improve police conduct and restore public confidence in policing across the state.

He added that similar monitoring exercises would continue regularly on major highways in Bayelsa State to ensure professionalism, discipline and compliance with police regulations.