In anticipation of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Army have initiated the removal of illegal checkpoints scattered across the state. This action, driven by the need to ensure a smooth and secure visit, highlights longstanding concerns about unauthorized security setups and their impact on residents.
President Tinubu’s visit, as announced by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration, will involve commissioning several state government projects. To prepare, security chiefs, including representatives from the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Army, DSS, Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, and FRSC, held a five-hour closed-door meeting on May 5, 2025, to coordinate security measures. The dismantling of illegal checkpoints, particularly along routes the President is expected to traverse, is a key part of these preparations.
Illegal checkpoints, often criticized for facilitating extortion and causing delays, have been a persistent issue in Anambra and other parts of Nigeria. A post on X by user @nonyeagudozie noted the sudden absence of police, military, and navy checkpoints, questioning their initial purpose and suggesting they were primarily used for financial gain. This reflects a broader public sentiment that such checkpoints burden citizens and disrupt economic activities, a concern echoed by South-East leaders in January 2025, who urged President Tinubu to address the issue to reduce transport costs and delays in goods movement.
The Anambra State Government has supported the dismantling effort, announcing minor traffic adjustments and urging residents to cooperate with security operatives. The move aims to create a hospitable environment for the President’s visit while addressing local grievances about unauthorized checkpoints. However, the temporary nature of this action raises questions about the sustainability of such reforms. Residents and observers are calling for a permanent solution to eliminate illegal checkpoints, balancing security needs with the public’s right to free movement.
As Anambra gears up for President Tinubu’s arrival, the dismantling of illegal checkpoints signals a step toward improved governance and public trust in security operations. Yet, it also underscores the need for systemic changes to prevent the re-emergence of such practices, ensuring that security measures serve the public interest rather than hinder it.
