Police Extortion in Nigeria: Crackdown Begins on Owerri-Onitsha Road

 In a bold and proactive move to restore public confidence and improve highway safety, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has initiated a rigorous anti-corruption campaign along one of the country's most frequently traveled roads — the Owerri-Onitsha Road. This initiative is part of a broader reform strategy led by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who has declared zero tolerance for police extortion and misconduct across the nation.

The reform focuses on tackling rising complaints of unauthorized money collection, phone intrusions, and abuse of power by officers stationed on major roadways — especially the Owerri-Onitsha route, a vital artery connecting Imo and Anambra States.

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, CP Aboki Danjuma, Commissioner of Police for Imo State, conducted a sweeping operational tour of checkpoints along the Owerri–Onitsha, Owerri–Port Harcourt, and Owerri–Umuahia roads

In a video that surfaced online, CP Danjuma addressed both police officers and the general public. He stated:

“This Owerri-Onitsha Road, I came out today with my personnel to check the activities and the conduct of policemen along the road. I have warned them to be civil, to be polite, to avoid corruption along the road. They should not extort money from motorists.”

During his tour, he reiterated the core values of modern policing: discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights. Officers were warned that any form of extortion, intimidation, or corruption would result in immediate disciplinary action, including dismissal and possible legal prosecution.

This inspection is part of a new hands-on approach by the police to curb roadside extortion and ensure professional conduct. The officer confirmed that some personnel had already been arrested for collecting bribes, and they would be “dealt with accordingly.”

In a rare shift of responsibility to both officers and civilians, motorists were specifically instructed not to give any form of money to police officers along the road. The officer reinforced the IGP’s stand:

“Sir, the present Inspector General of Police, that is IGP Kayode Egbetokun PSG, he has zero tolerance to corruption.”

The police are now actively encouraging the public to report any misconduct through official hotlines and communication platforms. The strategy aims to end the culture of silence and instill a system of accountability and transparency on Nigeria’s roads..

Under IGP Egbetokun's leadership, the Nigeria Police is:

• Increasing surprise checkpoint inspections

• Deploying more supervisory officers

• Creating anonymous reporting channels

• Reinforcing officer training on civil behavior and human rights

This focused crackdown along the Owerri-Onitsha Road represents a major step forward in the campaign to eliminate police corruption in Nigeria. It also signifies that law enforcement leadership is finally listening to public outcry and taking action to protect the rights of everyday Nigerians.

For meaningful reform to take root, citizens must:

• Refuse to offer bribes

• Document and report any abuses

• Demand transparency from law enforcement agencies

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