Inspector-General (IG) Ibrahim Idris has ordered the dismantling of illegal roadblocks across the country.
To implement this order, Special X-Squad Teams have been deployed and they will begin work today.
The teams are expected to dismantle roadblocks and other obstructions on public highways and roads created by revenue and tax collectors, road transport unions, labour and trade related unions.
Giving reasons for the order, a statement by Force spokesman, Abuja Jimoh Moshood, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said most roadblocks were being used by armed robbers and kidnappers to perpetuate criminal acts.
Moshood added that the move was aimed at easing vehicular movement and smooth passage of passengers, goods and other road users.
The team has been mandated to arrest anyone found creating or mounting obstruction on the road.
The statement reads: “It is unlawful and contrary to the laws for any individual or group under any name to take laws into their hands and block any road or highway in full or any part of it under the guise of collection of revenue/tax or enforcement of the interests of such organisations.
“For avoidance of doubt, the Taxes and Levies Act, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004 Section 2 (2) disallowed any person, including a tax authority from mounting a road block in any part of the Federation for the purposes of collecting any tax or levy.
“Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force hereby advised the relevant state governments, local government councils, boards of internal revenue service, various transport unions, labour and traders associations that it is against the law for any organisation to create a blockage and restrict or restrain members of the public the free usage of roads and highways anywhere in the country.”
It added: “It is evident from the numerous complaints received at police stations across the country that these illegal blockage points were most times taken over and used by armed robbers and kidnappers to rob, kidnap and maim innocent travellers and other road users.
“The Nigeria Police Force implored the affected stakeholders mentioned in paragraph four above to prevail on their proxies, agents and representatives to desist forthwith the blockage of highways and roads as the full weight of the law will be applied on anyone arrested in the act, and they will be prosecuted along with their sponsors.
The Force urged the affected stakeholders to prevail on their proxies, agents and representatives to stop the blockage of highways and roads, saying anyone arrested would be prosecuted with their sponsors.
Parents have also been asked to ensure their children are not used to commit illegal acts under the pretence of employment.
The police, however, pledged their continued commitment to guarantee safety of life and property of Nigerians.
