HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RAISE ALARM OVER UNIDENTIFIED SECURITY OPERATIVES AT CHECKPOINTS

‎The House of Representatives has expressed alarm over the
increasing presence of unidentified and ununiformed security
operatives at checkpoints across the South-East and South-South
regions, warning that the trend poses a serious national security risk
and undermines public trust.
‎
‎Raising the motion as a matter of urgent public importance, Rep. Ibe
Okwara Osonwa drew attention to the unprecedented rate of security
officers particularly from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria
Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, conducting roadblocks and
stop-and-search operations in plain clothes, jeans, or incomplete
uniforms, often without name tags or identifiable ranks.
‎
‎Osonwa noted that such practices violate the Nigeria Police Act 2020
and operational guidelines that require officers to wear full uniforms
with visible identification for transparency and accountability.
‎
‎The House also expressed concern over rising cases of extortion,
harassment, and abuse of power by such unidentified officers,
stressing that the lack of proper identification hinders efforts to track
and discipline errant personnel.
‎
‎Lawmakers warned that the situation could worsen as the festive
season approaches, when more Nigerians travel to and from the
affected regions, leading to increased encounters with security
operatives.
‎
‎Following deliberations, the House directed the Inspector General of
Police and the Commandant General of the NSCDC to immediately
enforce existing laws requiring all officers on checkpoints, patrols, and
stop-and-search duties to appear in full uniform with visible names,
ranks, and identification tags.
‎
‎Additionally, the Committees on Police Affairs and Interior were
mandated to summon the heads of the affected agencies to explain
the continued non-compliance and provide a clear timeline for full
enforcement.