The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered the immediate removal of all non-essential roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints on major highways across the country, citing concerns over operational inefficiency, security risks and obstruction of movement.

The directive is contained in a memo dated Dec. 5, 2025, and signed by Brig.-Gen. A. Rabiu on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa.

According to the memo, the increasing number of unapproved checkpoints along major routes has begun to negatively affect military operations and expose security personnel to avoidable dangers.

The memo read in part:

> “In view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the Services Headquarters hereby instructs all Theatre Commanders and Force Commanders to ensure the immediate dismantling of all non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorised checkpoints within their respective Joint Operations Areas (JOA).”

It emphasised that while maintaining road security remains critical, the unchecked proliferation of static checkpoints along several highways has restricted free movement for civilians and reduced the effectiveness of security operations.

The DHQ listed several routes where such checkpoints have been identified to include Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu; Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kaba–Omuo–Ikole Ekiti; Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge, among others.

The headquarters further directed that security operations should now focus on mobility and intelligence rather than stationary deployments.

It stated that commanders are to rely on aggressive mobile patrols and improved human intelligence gathering to dominate key routes and respond swiftly to security threats.

The memo added:

> “Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational and security purposes, while dominating the expanses of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering.”

Checkpoints are common features on Nigerian highways, and while authorities often justify them as security measures, many citizens have expressed concerns over alleged harassment, extortion and, in some cases, fatal incidents involving motorists.

The DHQ’s directive has therefore sparked public debate, with Nigerians expressing mixed reactions over whether the removal of checkpoints will improve safety or expose highways to criminal activities.

The Defence Headquarters, however, maintained that the new strategy is aimed at enhancing efficiency, reducing risks to personnel and civilians, and ensuring better use of military resources nationwide.