A group of aggrieved young residents in Edo State successfully intercepted and confronted security operatives stationed at a checkpoint along the busy Auchi- Aviele road over widespread allegations of extortion targeting motorists and commercial motorcyclists. The incident, which quickly circulated across various social media platforms, highlights growing public frustration regarding illegal road tolls and harassment by law enforcement personnel.
According to the viral footage, the civilian group was led by an outspoken young man who marched directly to the checkpoint to challenge the officers and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN). The youths accused the security personnel of using their official positions to illegally collect money from road users. During the encounter, the youth leader insisted on searching the officers, including armed policemen, to uncover hidden illicit funds. Despite initial resistance and attempts by the team leader to hand over a mobile phone to speak with an unidentified superior, the crowd remained resolute, demanding that the security operatives vacate the area immediately.
What did the youth leader disclose after the confrontation?
Following the dispersal of the security team, the youth leader addressed members of the public at a different location, detailing the events that transpired at the checkpoint. He stated that the group acted on intelligence regarding ongoing extortion activities by the security agents.
"Good evening my people! We were on Auchi-Aviele road and found vigilantes and policemen mounting roadblock here. We got information that they were extorting people so we decided to chase them from here. We found out that they had already collected N4,200 from bike men and others. I’m taking this money to the Area Commander," the youth leader stated during his public address.
He further called upon the Nigeria Police Force hierarchy to investigate the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbede Police Station, claiming that the erring officers cited directives from their superior. He also pointed fingers at the leadership of the local vigilante network, emphasizing the rapid rate at which money was extorted from citizens facing severe economic hardships.
"To the Commissioner of Police, I want you to call the DPO of Agbede Police Station because his men who extorted passengers said they got order from the DPO. While the Vigilantes said their boss from Aviele sent them. They did not spend up to 30 minutes there before collecting N4,200 from road users. That means they could have raised like 80k or 100k if they spent more hours. Imagine collecting this amount from Nigerians who are suffering," he added.
Background and Public Reaction
Incidents involving unauthorized checkpoints and alleged extortion by security agents have remained a contentious issue across various parts of Nigeria, frequently drawing sharp criticism from civil society groups and motorists. Over the years, police authorities have repeatedly warned personnel against mounting illegal roadblocks and extorting civilians, yet isolated violations continue to spark public outrage.
The latest incident in Edo State has triggered widespread reactions online, with many commentators praising the courage of the youths while demanding transparent disciplinary actions against officers found culpable of professional misconduct. Verification processes conducted on key frames of the circulated video by independent monitors have confirmed the authenticity of the footage, showing no signs of digital manipulation.