Military restores checkpoints across the country

The Nigerian military has started restoring checkpoints across the country following the recent clarifications
by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd), that President Muhammadu Buhari never ordered the dismantling of all the roadblocks.

Clarifying the need for the checkpoints, the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, confirmed the development saying that the restored checkpoints are merely 'snap checkpoints'.

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'What we have in those areas are not permanent checkpoints without a time line but a snap one based on the prevailing security situation,' Usman said.

Speaking further, Usman said, 'The directive was that those checkpoints that were not necessary should be removed forthwith and that was complied with. However, the language is that the Chief Of Army Staff should use his discretion to remove all those checkpoints that are not necessary but that those in the North-east and South-south, for obvious security reasons should not be removed.

'The COAS has gone further to direct all the General Commanding Officers (GOCs) and other Commanders to discuss with the respective state governments where they are involved in internal security operations on how to apply this.

'This is because whenever there is serious security threats there can be snap re-establishment of the checkpoints,', Usman explained.

Speaking in the same vein, the COAS, Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah,  said, 'So the road blocks and check points will remain in certain areas. And in the areas where they cause hardship for citizens we are taking steps to ensure that they are presented in such a way that citizens experience less hardship.'