Major Road Extortion of Money by Uniformed Men and Accountability Challenges in Nigeria: Evidence from Police, Army, Civil Defense, Road Safety, Customs, and Others

Abstract

This paper examines the persistent problem of monetary extortion on Nigerian roads by uniformed personnel, including the police, army, civil defense, road safety, customs, and related agencies. Through qualitative and observational methods, the study explores how illegal tolls and bribe collections at checkpoints have become normalized, highlighting accountability breakdowns, institutional weakness, and a culture of impunity. Findings reveal that despite anti-corruption policies, uniformed officers routinely extort commuters, commercial drivers, and transport companies. The paper calls for stronger enforcement mechanisms, public awareness, internal surveillance reforms, and inter-agency coordination to address systemic corruption on Nigerian roads.

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