Governor Otti Condemns Harassment at Military Checkpoints in Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has directed the Nigerian Army to cease alleged acts of harassment and humiliation at military checkpoints across the state, calling for the protection of citizens’ dignity.

Reports have emerged that travellers are often ordered to disembark from vehicles and cross checkpoints on foot, sometimes with their hands raised, while trucks carrying traders are allowed to pass freely with passengers onboard.

Following a State Executive Council meeting held at his Nvosi country home on Monday, Governor Otti’s Security Adviser, McDonald Ubah, addressed the issue, assuring residents that measures are being taken to end such practices.

Ubah stated, “Soon, there will be a regulation correcting that. The governor has given a directive to end the dehumanising practice of asking people to come down and cross military checkpoints on foot. You don’t ask people to come down from their vehicles, raise their hands up, and cross. Tomorrow, you want them to come and give you information.”

Operation Udoka and Security Measures

Ubah reassured residents of the Army’s commitment to safety through Operation Udoka, a security initiative aimed at protecting lives and property in the state. He also addressed the relocation of a military checkpoint near the area where three soldiers were killed last week.

Explaining the need for the checkpoint, Ubah said, “They [the military] have to come because of the level of crime around that axis, including kidnappings. Criminals had a field day, kidnapping people and crossing over to the Imo State side without being stopped. The same people who initially opposed the checkpoint later demanded its return due to increasing fears over kidnappings.”

The checkpoint has since been relocated to a more strategic position, offering soldiers a clearer view to prevent criminal activities. Ubah added, “The new location eliminates all side roads and tracks that criminals previously used to bypass the checkpoint.”

Addressing Soldiers’ Alleged Actions

Governor Otti has also acted on allegations of soldiers forcing civilians to fill sandbags. Ubah clarified that the state has provided concrete barriers for military protection to eliminate the need for such practices.

He said, “The governor is against civilians being used to fill sandbags, which is why he has gone out of his way to provide concrete barriers for the soldiers.”

To foster public confidence, Ubah disclosed that the Nigerian Army has introduced a three-digit emergency telephone line to ensure rapid response from the nearest military formation. “The soldiers are here to ensure your safety. Only people with questionable intentions should be concerned about their activities,” he said.

Regional Collaboration on Security

Ubah also addressed the closure of a market across the river by the Army, stating that it was deemed a hotspot for criminal activity. He emphasized that reopening the market falls under the jurisdiction of Imo State but noted ongoing efforts to ensure regional collaboration among southeastern states.

“We had a meeting with the Minister of Defense and security advisers from the five eastern states last week, where this issue was discussed. The meeting on Saturday reinforced the importance of collaboration to enhance security in the region,” Ubah said.

He concluded by reiterating the government’s stance against any form of degrading treatment at checkpoints, saying, “No Abian should be subjected to raising their hands while crossing military checkpoints. This practice will not be seen again going forward.”

The state government’s proactive measures aim to balance security enforcement with respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.