TheCable

The Kaduna state government says all security checkpoints along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway are illegal.

In a statement on Wednesday, Samuel Aruwan, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, also said those manning checkpoints along the Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari expressways are operating illegally.

There have been cases of kidnapping and banditry alongside these routes.

Aruwan said motorists should not show compliance to any checkpoint along these routes.

“The Kaduna State Security Council has issued an advisory, notifying citizens that there are no authorised checkpoints along the Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highways,” the commissioner said.

“Citizens are to note that effective immediately, there is no authorised checkpoint on these routes (to and fro) until further notice.

“Any person or group of persons observed to be manning checkpoints along these routes at any time must be considered as carrying out illegal operations, and must be treated as such

“Road users are strictly warned NOT to show compliance with any checkpoint on these routes at this time.

“The State Security Council wishes to assure the public that the security agencies are conducting operations to rout the criminals and end the menace of banditry on these highways.”

He said any checkpoint sighted along these routes should be reported to the Security Operation Centre via the following telephone lines; 09034000060 and 08170189999.

”The Kaduna State Security Council requests continuing vigilance by residents, and warns that any conduct, under whatever guise, that threatens to undermine peace and security in the state will be dealt with decisively, in accordance with the law,” Aruwan added.