BREAKING: Defence Headquarters Orders Nationwide Removal of Illegal Roadblocks, Moves to Boost Mobility and Security Intelligence

Sahara reporters has taken to its official X handle and announced that, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a decisive order for the immediate dismantling of all non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across Nigeria’s major highways, in a sweeping move aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and restoring smooth movement for civilians and security forces.

The directive, contained in an internal memo dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), expressed deep concern over what it described as a “growing proliferation” of unapproved checkpoints within various Joint Operational Areas (JOAs).

According to the document, although road security operations remain crucial, the surge in unauthorized static posts has begun to undermine military efficiency, disrupt citizens’ freedom of movement, and expose personnel to unnecessary risks. The DHQ specifically highlighted major arteries increasingly affected by these unapproved checkpoints, including:

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

Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge


The memo stressed that these illegal roadblocks have become counterproductive, slowing down both emergency responses and operational maneuvers, while creating vulnerabilities for the troops manning them.

> “In view of the foregoing, the Services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints within their respective JOAs,” the order stated.

In place of unnecessary fixed checkpoints, commanders have been directed to intensify mobile patrols, adopt intelligence-led operations, and maintain only essential, approved control points for strategic security purposes.

The DHQ further emphasized the need for commanders to dominate major routes through aggressive mobility, surveillance, and human intelligence gathering, rather than relying on static positions that no longer provide optimal security value.

This decisive restructuring of highway security operations comes at a time of heightened national concern over kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes. Security analysts say the move could help reduce extortion, ease travel for commuters, and strengthen real-time military response capabilities.

With this directive, the military signals a fresh commitment to smarter, faster, and more coordinated national security operations—one aimed at reclaiming the roads and restoring public confidence.