FCT police command ignores IGP's order to close roadblocks

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered its officers to embark on vigorous stop and search operations along highways.

This directive is a violation of Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris' order for the immediate removal of all police roadblocks across the country.

The FCT command's spokesperson, Anjuguri Manzah, said the the stop and search is a direct response to the disturbing rise in criminal cases in the nation's capital.

Manzah said the command is committed to taking necessary action to stop petty criminals like car thieves in Abuja.

He said, "The command is going to embark on vigorous stop-and-search operation along the highways of the FCT, as such, members of the public are hereby advised to always have proof of ownership of their cars in their possession to avoid embarrassment.

"As a result of the seeming rise in cases of theft of motor vehicles within FCT, especially the ones that are easily removed from where they are parked, the command is poised to take necessary action to stem the tide of the menace."

In the IGP's Tuesday directive to dismantle all roadblocks in the country, he explained that it is a necessity to guarantee free passage of goods and travellers throughout the country.

He also directed that all police officers patrolling highways and major roads in the country must put on their uniforms with their names and identification numbers easily displayed.

ALSO READ: IGP Idris orders the removal of police roadblocks nationwide

The police boss also placed a ban on illegal blockage and obstructions on highways and roads, created by unlawful revenue or tax collectors, road transport unions, labour and trade-related unions.

To ensure the enforcement of the directive, special X-Squad teams of the force have been deployed to arrest, investigate and discipline any offending party.