Soldier confronts police over alleged checkpoint extortion in viral video
A Nigerian soldier confronted police officers allegedly extorting money from motorists at a roadside checkpoint, as shown in a video published September 11, 2026. In the footage, the soldier is heard asking, “Why are you collecting money on the road?” while chasing a policeman toward a packed police van; the officer apologizes and fellow policemen beg the soldier to leave him. The identities of the military and police personnel involved have not been ascertained.
The incident highlights the persistent problem of security force extortion at checkpoints, which undermines public trust and fuels tensions between the army and police. Such encounters, when shared widely, can erode confidence in state institutions and raise concerns about the safety of ordinary Nigerians who regularly face unofficial fees on highways.
If you encounter similar checkpoint demands, know your rights: you can refuse to pay illegal levies, request identification, and report the incident to the National Human Rights Commission or via the police complaint portal. Will you speak up when you see extortion, or stay silent fearing retaliation?