Residents commuting between Abuja and Nasarawa State are facing nightly terror from masked men posing as police officers who mount illegal checkpoints and extort money from travelers along the busy border corridor.
Nocturnal Operations by Masked Men
The disturbing pattern emerges around 10 p.m. each night when masked individuals dressed in black tactical vests arrive in an unmarked white Hiace bus. They strategically position themselves at key locations including Abacha Road, City College junction, and the Mararaba Junction axis, preying particularly on young male commuters.
One victim, Onyekachi Michael, a kitchen equipment dealer at City College junction, described the terrifying encounters. "They usually wear black, carry what looks like a gun, others with heavy sticks and move in groups of four or five," Michael revealed. "They stop only young men, especially those driving or on bikes. If you argue, they slap you. If you cooperate, they tell you to settle them."
Victims Share Harrowing Ordeals
Suleiman Abdullahi, a mechanic from Karu, experienced both trauma and financial loss during his encounter with the masked men. "I've been dey come back from one of my customer's place around 10:30 p.m. when dem stop me," Abdullahi narrated in local parlance. "They come dey search my bag asif I steal something and I come say I look like Yahoo boy. They say make I pay ₦50,000, I no agree. Them come collect my phone, come force me send ₦10,000 before they let me go."
The extortion amounts vary significantly, with victims reporting demands ranging from ₦4,000 to ₦50,000. The perpetrators frequently seize phones and demand passwords, further intimidating their targets.
Police Deny Involvement
The Nasarawa State Police Command has categorically denied any involvement in these nocturnal operations. SP Ramhan Nansel, the police spokesperson, stated unequivocally that "we have no record of any authorised night operation along that axis by masked officers."
Nansel emphasized several key points that distance the police from the incidents: "In fact, we do not have a single hiace. Those vehicle is not our own. We don't have a single hiace and not no police officer in Nasarawa state operates on mask." He urged victims to come forward with specific details such as vehicle numbers, locations, and video evidence to help identify the perpetrators.
Infrastructure Neglect Compounds Security Issues
The security crisis is exacerbated by poor infrastructure along the border corridor. Residents report terrible road conditions, inadequate lighting, and chronic traffic congestion that make escape difficult for potential victims.
Yakubu Musa, a Keke rider, explained the practical challenges: "You can't even speed off when they stop you. The roads are so bad that you'll damage your car before escaping. The government just abandoned the roads. So, as you're passing, you must slow down, and that is how they will get a hold on you."
Civil Society Demands Action
The Centre for Civic Rights and Accountability (CCRA) has called for immediate investigation into the activities of the masked men. Mrs. Kemi Adetola, the Executive Director of CCRA, stated: "This recurring pattern of nocturnal extortion and intimidation is unacceptable. If these men are rogue officers, they should face disciplinary action. If they are impostors, the police must dismantle the network immediately."
The organization also urged the Nasarawa State Government to address the infrastructure deficiencies by restoring street lighting and repairing damaged roads along the corridor.
The situation highlights the ongoing trust deficit between Nigerian youth and security agencies, a concern that traces back to the 2020 #EndSARS protests. Many young commuters feel targeted based on their appearance or possession of smartphones, creating an environment of fear and suspicion during what should be routine travel between the two states.
