The Benue State Government has arrested five civil protection guards over an offence of holding unapproved checkpoints along major roads in the area.
During the operation, two illegal checkpoints on the highway were dismantled, and five BSCPG personnel manning them were disarmed and taken into custody for further administrative action.
The arrests form part of a decisive crackdown on unauthorised roadblocks mounted by security volunteers that have caused several incidents in the state.
Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs led the operation in collaboration with the State Commander and senior officers of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards (BSCPG).
This action was taken yesterday along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road to enforce compliance with security directives, ensure free flow of traffic, and address concerns over the rising number of illegal checkpoints that obstruct motorists.
A statement issued by the Media Aide to the Special Adviser, Comrade Mfa Igirgi, on Wednesday emphasised that the exercise aligns with the directive of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, which prohibits road obstructions except at officially approved security checkpoints.
During the operation, the Special Adviser directed soldiers at another checkpoint near a Chinese construction company to remove the roadblock and focus instead on securing the company premises and its expatriate staff rather than occupying the highway.
He noted that “unnecessary checkpoints impede the free movement of motorists and could create security vulnerabilities, particularly when left unmanned.”
Reiterating the mandate of the BSCPG, the Special Adviser stated that its members are expected to “patrol their communities, provide early warning on security threats and serve as first responders, rather than establish checkpoints on public highways.”
He added that BSCPG personnel are only permitted to participate in checkpoint operations when working jointly with the Nigeria Police Force or other authorised security agencies.
The Special Adviser urged residents to report any BSCPG personnel operating unauthorised checkpoints to the office of the State Commander or his office for prompt disciplinary action.
He reaffirmed the Benue State Government’s commitment to promoting lawful security operations while ensuring that measures to protect lives and property do not inconvenience law-abiding citizens or create opportunities for criminal activities.