By Adadareporters
Soldiers posted to checkpoints have been warned to desist from extorting bribes from motorists while discharging their duties.
The warning came from the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, during a workshop in Enugu on Friday. The Division further warned its operatives against other unprofessional conduct capable of portraying the service in a bad light.
The acting deputy director, Army Public Relations of the Division, Jonah Unuakhalu, gave the warning in a statement.
According to the statement, “The military has been involved in manning checkpoints across the country due to insecurity which has threatened the sovereignty of the country.
“Despite the numerous advantages of military checkpoints, there has been a series of complaints from the civil populace on the unprofessional conducts of troops at military checkpoints which negate the aim of setting up the checkpoint.
“Roadblocks and checkpoints are mainly security measures implemented by the authorities to monitor and control the movement of vehicles and people in a particular area.
“They serve various purposes including law enforcement, security and traffic management.”
The workshop, according to the release, talked about the implications of extortions and how erring personnel could be sanctioned for it.
It read, “The general public is therefore advised to desist from giving gratification to soldiers at checkpoints and report cases of misconduct by troops to the appropriate authorities.
“The Division will continue to carry out its assigned and constitutional roles in line with global best practices.”
