A press statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP
Jimoh Moshood on behalf of the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, in Abuja on
Sunday, the IGP has deployed Special X-Squad on Highways and Roads
throughout the Country to Clear Illegal Road Blocks and obstructions.
The statement reads in full…
1.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris NPM, mni has
deployed Special X-Squad Teams of the Force across the country to
commence with effect from Monday, 17th April, 2017 the removal of all
forms of illegal blockage of Highways and Roads, and other obstructions
on public Highways and Roads created by unlawful Revenue/Tax collectors,
Road Transport Unions, Labour and Trade related unions inhibiting
vehicular movement and smooth passage of passengers and goods, and other
road users across the country.
2. The Special X-Squad Teams deployed are under strict instructions
to also arrest, investigate and prosecute any person or group of persons
found committing this illegal act. 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.
3. 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.
4. Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force hereby advised the
relevant State Governments, Local Government Councils, Boards of
Internal Revenue service across the Country, various Transport Unions,
Labour and Traders Associations that it is against the law for any
organization to create a blockage and restrict or restrain members of
the public the free usage of Roads and Highways anywhere in the country.
5. 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.
6. The Nigeria Police Force implored the affected stakeholders
mentioned in paragraph “four (4)” above to prevails on their proxies,
agents and representatives to desist forthwith the blockage of Highways
and Roads across the country, 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. Parents and guidance are also enjoined to monitor
their children and wards not to be used to commit illegal acts under the
pretence of employment.
7. The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to continue to
enforce the law, guarantee adequate security and safety of every
Nigerian and ensure crime free society remained unwavering.