As Nigerians journey home for Christmas, travellers have raised alarms over widespread extortion by hoodlums impersonating local government officials along major highways.

Motorists on the eastern corridor, particularly on the Lagos–Onitsha Expressway, report that these individuals stop vehicles to demand radio licences or arbitrary fines. The practice has been most reported around Ore (Ondo State), Benin City (Edo State), Asaba (Delta State), and the Onitsha Head Bridge (Anambra State). Shockingly, victims say the extortion often occurs in full view of security personnel at checkpoints.

A Lagos-based nurse recounted that a group of seven men blocked her family’s vehicle in Asaba, demanding a radio licence. When the driver could not provide one, they dragged him out, deflated the tyres, and forced the vehicle off the road, despite the presence of children in the car. Families were compelled to pay amounts ranging from N20,000 to N45,000 to continue their journeys, with repeated payments demanded from other groups further along the route.

Another victim, businessman Mazi Ukadike, confirmed that both private and commercial vehicles were targeted. Drivers with windows closed sometimes escaped, while others had vehicles damaged and were forced off the highway to negotiate ransom payments.

Security analyst Kingsley Osa, based in Benin City, noted that this practice has persisted for years, allegedly under the protection of corrupt local government officials. Previous warnings from the police have done little to curb the menace.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the police spokespersons in the affected states were ongoing at the time of reporting.