News

Tanker Drivers Shut Down Abuja-Lokoja Road Over Alleged Police Extortion

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 16th, 2025.

Tanker Drivers Shut Down Abuja-Lokoja Road Over Alleged Police Extortion

The Abuja–Lokoja highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors, has come to a standstill following a large-scale protest by tanker drivers who have blocked both lanes of the road. The protest, which began earlier today, was sparked by mounting frustration over what the drivers describe as relentless extortion by police and other security operatives stationed along the route.

According to reports, the drivers parked their trucks across the highway, completely halting traffic in both directions. Motorists have been stuck in the resulting gridlock for hours, many stranded under intense heat with no official updates from authorities.

One driver, speaking anonymously, claimed that officers at various checkpoints routinely demand bribes of up to ₦5,000 per stop. With multiple checkpoints between Abuja and Lokoja, these costs quickly add up, making the journey unsustainable for many transporters.

“Sometimes we pass six or more checkpoints before reaching Lokoja. If you pay ₦5,000 at each one, how do we survive?” the driver asked.

The blockade has led to a massive traffic jam stretching for several kilometers, with no end in sight. Passengers trapped in the hold-up have expressed growing anxiety, especially as night approaches. A commuter, who gave his name simply as James, voiced concerns over security risks, noting that the area is notorious for armed robberies and abductions after dark.

“We’ve been here for hours. People are scared. Once it gets dark, these roads become very dangerous,” he said.

As the impasse continues, some drivers have begun turning back toward Abuja or Lokoja in a bid to avoid being caught on the highway overnight. The silence from government and law enforcement agencies has only fueled public frustration.

The Abuja–Lokoja expressway is a vital link between Nigeria’s capital and other regions in the North Central and Southern parts of the country. The ongoing protest has once again drawn attention to longstanding issues of corruption and abuse of power on Nigerian roads, with citizens now calling on the Federal Government to step in, address the grievances of the protesters, and ensure the free movement of people and goods.

Observers warn that if the situation is not resolved promptly, the traffic backlog could stretch well into the night, escalating security concerns for those still stranded.