Kebbi Police Command: Kebbi-Sokoto Highway Blockade Legal Action Threatened

• The Kebbi State Police Command has issued a strong warning against future blockades of the Kebbi-Sokoto Federal Highway, threatening legal action.
• This warning follows two recent incidents, including one on October 9 and another on September 23, 2026, which caused significant traffic disruptions.
• Police condemned the blockades as unlawful and a violation of citizens' rights, also noting the potential for increased criminal activity.
• Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, declared a zero-tolerance policy for road blockades and urged parents to caution their children against unlawful assemblies.
• Authorities advise individuals with grievances to use lawful channels such as elected representatives or traditional rulers instead of obstructing public roads.

He unequivocally declared that the police would no longer tolerate any form of road blockade, under any circumstances or guise, signaling a zero-tolerance policy.

The Kebbi State Police Command has issued a stern warning against any further blockades of the vital Kebbi-Sokoto Federal Highway, explicitly threatening legal action against individuals and groups responsible for disrupting traffic. This significant Kebbi State Police Command warning follows two recent incidents that severely impeded vehicular movement along the crucial artery. The most recent blockade occurred on Friday, October 9, causing a three-hour disruption to commuters and essential services.

This incident was not isolated, as a similar obstruction had taken place earlier on September 23, 2026. The command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed these events in a statement issued on Friday, underscoring the police's growing concern over the recurring federal highway disruption Nigeria. The authorities have made it clear that such actions are deemed unlawful and will no longer be tolerated, setting the stage for potential Kebbi-Sokoto highway blockade legal action.

The police have strongly condemned the blockades, characterizing them as unlawful assemblies in Kebbi and a direct violation of the fundamental rights of other road users. This includes not only general motorists but also individuals requiring urgent medical attention, whose access to care can be critically delayed by such obstructions. The statement highlighted that these blockades prevent people from moving freely and conducting their legitimate daily activities, infringing upon public liberty.

Furthermore, the command articulated a significant public safety concern, warning that the disruption of traffic on federal highways could inadvertently create opportunities for criminal elements to operate. The police emphasized that any recurrence of these actions would trigger appropriate legal measures, with both organizers and participants facing investigation and potential Nigeria road obstruction prosecution in accordance with existing laws. This firm stance underscores the gravity with which authorities view such acts of civil disobedience.

Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, reinforced the command's position, appealing directly to residents to uphold the rights of their fellow citizens and refrain from any actions that could jeopardize public peace. In a clear CP Umar M. Hadejia statement, he urged parents and guardians to actively counsel their children and wards against participating in unlawful assemblies, stressing the paramount importance of adherence to the rule of law. This directive aims to prevent future instances of federal highway disruption Nigeria.

CP Hadejia assured the community of the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring the unhindered movement of people and goods throughout the state. He unequivocally declared that the police would no longer tolerate any form of road blockade, under any circumstances or guise, signaling a zero-tolerance policy. This commitment to enforcement means that any future attempts at a Kebbi-Sokoto highway blockade will almost certainly result in legal action.

Instead of resorting to road obstructions, the Kebbi State Police Command has advised aggrieved individuals to pursue their complaints through established lawful channels. The police specifically recommended engaging with elected representatives, traditional rulers, or the Police Community Relations Committee as appropriate avenues for addressing grievances. This guidance aims to provide constructive alternatives to disruptive protests.

The public has been urged to remain law-abiding and to utilize these proper channels for dispute resolution, thereby avoiding actions that impose hardship on commuters and other members of the public. The police's message is clear: while grievances are acknowledged, their expression must not come at the expense of public order and the rights of others, particularly concerning critical infrastructure like the Kebbi-Sokoto Federal Highway.

Lawyers advising clients in Kebbi State, particularly those involved in advocacy or protest, should be aware of the heightened risk of investigation and prosecution for obstructing federal highways, as the police have explicitly stated a zero-tolerance policy and intent to enforce existing laws against such actions.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH