The House of Representatives has raised serious concerns over the proliferation of unidentified security operatives manning checkpoints across the South-East and South-South regions, describing the practice as a threat to public safety.
The lawmakers issued the warning on Thursday following a motion of urgent public importance brought before the House by Hon Ibe Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.
Multiple reports have indicated an alarming increase in security officers, particularly from the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, conducting stop-and-search operations in plain clothes without name tags or visible ranks.
Osonwa told the House that the practice violates the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and established operational guidelines, which require officers to wear proper uniforms with visible identification to ensure accountability and transparency.
“The current trend of plain-clothed officers at checkpoints creates a dangerous climate of ambiguity. It makes it almost impossible for citizens to distinguish between genuine security personnel and criminal impersonators, thereby constituting a serious risk to public safety and national security,” he said.
The lawmaker expressed worry over rising cases of extortion, harassment, and abuse of power by some of these unidentified officers, noting that the lack of proper identification makes it difficult to track and discipline erring personnel.
He warned that with Christmas and New Year celebrations approaching, failure to address the situation urgently could expose travellers to greater risks.
Osonwa added that the continued disregard for uniform and identification protocols damages the reputation of security agencies and erodes the already fragile trust between the forces and the citizens they are meant to protect.
The South-East region has been grappling with security challenges linked to violent campaigns by the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network. Several Nigerians have been killed in the zone in recent years, including Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili, and former Presidential adviser, Mr Ahmed Gulak, both murdered in 2021.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Inspector General of Police and the Commandant General of the NSCDC to immediately enforce existing laws requiring all officers on checkpoints, patrols, and stop-and-search duties to appear in full uniform with visible names, ranks, and identification tags.
The House also mandated the Committees on Police Affairs and Interior to summon the heads of the affected agencies to explain the continued non-compliance and provide a clear timeline for full enforcement of the directive.
The Committees were further directed to undertake an oversight visit to the affected regions to monitor implementation of the directive and report back to the House within six weeks.
