The Defence Headquarters has directed the immediate removal of all non-essential roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints on major highways nationwide, citing rising concerns over operational inefficiency and security risks.

The directive, contained in a memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, warned that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints was disrupting movement and exposing personnel to avoidable dangers.

According to the statement, “Headquarters has observed a growing proliferation of non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along several routes within the JOA (Joint Operations Area).”

It further noted that while securing roadways remains crucial, the unchecked spread of fixed posts has begun to “undermine operational efficiency and disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces and civilians.”

The communication added that troops manning these checkpoints were being placed at unnecessary risk, especially along high-traffic corridors such as:

Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu;

Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti–Ikole Ekiti;

Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin;

Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and

Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge.

The statement said, “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective JOA.”

Commanders have been directed to ensure compliance only with control points deemed operationally essential.

Instead of stationary deployments, the military will now rely on “aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering” to dominate strategic routes.

The statement emphasised the importance of maintaining only checkpoints approved for specific operational or security purposes.

“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering,” the statement said.