In a swift move to avert a major transportation crisis, a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Bauchi State personally intervened to resolve a violent protest by truck drivers on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Road Blockade Sparks Anger on Busy Highway
The incident began when a truck driver, traveling from Jos towards Bauchi, was stopped by an agent of the Federal Government Haulage revenue team at the Miri area, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis. The agent demanded the stipulated revenue payment. According to police accounts, the driver did not stop immediately, prompting the revenue collectors to insert a blocking tool in front of the vehicle.
The truck driver subsequently drove over the object, causing one of his tyres to burst. This damage ignited a serious disagreement and quickly escalated into a wider protest.
DPO's Diplomatic Intervention Quells Protest
In solidarity with their colleague, other truck drivers blocked the ever-busy Bauchi–Jos road, disrupting the free flow of traffic. The situation demanded urgent police action.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Holman Simon, the DPO of ‘B’ Division, Bauchi State Police Command, alongside CSP Abdulrazak Padah, the Officer in Charge of Operation Restore Peace (ORP), swiftly visited the scene.
Adopting a diplomatic and professional approach, DPO Holman Simon called the aggrieved drivers to order, listened to their demands, and took a decisive step. He paid the sum of N310,000 to the affected driver to cover the cost of replacing the damaged tyre.
Normalcy Restored, Suspects Arrested
The monetary compensation immediately defused the tension. The truck drivers respectfully dispersed, allowing the vital road to become accessible to all users once again.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Bauchi State Command, SP Nafiu Habib, confirmed that two suspects were arrested in connection with the breach of public peace. The state's Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori, applauded CSP Holman Simon for his effective intervention and also appreciated the people of Bauchi State for their continued support of the police.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between commercial transporters and road revenue agents, and the critical role of proactive policing in maintaining public order.
