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.
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.
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 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.
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 (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.
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.
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Society