The Federal Government and other relevant authorities have been alerted on the persistent harassment and extortion of legitimate citizens and traders operating in the Nigeria-Benin Republic border areas by security agencies.
Taiwo Akinlabi, who spoke on behalf of concerned citizens to Journalists on Monday, condemned the harassment, alleged illegal taxation and levies imposed on traders plying the routes.
Akinlabi accused several Agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army, State Internal Revenue Service officials, Parks and Garages Development Board, Local Government Taskforces, and Government Ministries, of perpetrating these abuses.
The traders complained of the numerous roadblocks and checkpoints, totaling 43, which include; 15 Police checkpoints, 3 Nigerian Army checkpoints, and 19 Nigerian Customs checkpoints, among others.
MUST READ: N891 million worth of illegal items seized on Nigeria-Benin border
According to Akinlabi, even goods that are not contraband are subjected to harassment and extortion by Security Agencies.
These allegations have not been independently verified by AIT, and the Nigerian government is yet to respond to the claims.
Akinlabi has however appealed to the Federal Government and the relevant authorities to promptly address these issues before they escalate further.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
