Abuja-Lokoja Highway: A Renewed Success Story of Security and Community Initiatives

By Emeka Onuh

In the face of increasing security threats across Nigeria, the country’s highways have not remained unscathed. Once reliable routes for movement and commerce have become increasingly vulnerable to the audacious incursions of criminals who exploit these roads to instil fear and chaos. The Nigerian government’s response has been to establish security checkpoints, which some unscrupulous elements within the security agencies have turned into opportunities to extort motorists. Among the most affected is the Abuja-Lokoja Highway—once a symbol of national connectivity but now long plagued by violent crime, kidnappings, and fear. Stretching approximately 200 kilometres, the Abuja-Lokoja Highway serves as an important link for trade, tourism, and interstate travel. It is a critical artery connecting Nigeria’s political capital to its southern and northern regions, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and millions of passengers annually. 

For years, the road’s reputation suffered due to frequent kidnappings, armed robberies, and other criminal attacks that instilled fear among travellers and resulted in economic losses for businesses. The Abaji/Kwali axis of the road was identified as a preferred ambush point. Other hotspots included the Kwaita-Chikara-Omoko-Idu-Gegu-Orehi-Ochonyi-Akpogu and Koton Karfe communities, all situated along the Abuja-Lokoja Highway. The criminals were also known to set ambushes for commuters at Chikara-Sharp Bend, Aseni, Ahoko-Adabo, and the Orehi/Achabo axis. Criminal gangs, exploiting the dense vegetation and sharp bends along the highway, transformed the road into a hunting ground where impunity and fear prevailed. The confidence of these criminals grew after the brutal killing of Major General Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army, in one such ambush in 2021, which sent shockwaves across the nation. The attack, which also led to the abduction of his sister, highlighted both the brazenness of these criminals and the urgency of reforming security along the highway.

SPONSOR AD

However, recent reports indicate a significant reduction in criminal activities along this vital corridor, marking a turning point for the safety and security of both commuters and residents. Security reports, travellers, and local communities attribute this positive shift to increased patrols led by the Nigerian army and other security agencies. SBM Intelligence reported that 7,568 people were abducted in 1,130 incidents between July 2023 and June 2024 in Nigeria. While these figures are alarming, early indicators suggest that when the figures for 2024 to 2025 are released, a notable reduction will be observed across the Abuja-Lokoja corridor.

Eyewitnesses report that this turnaround began in the fourth quarter of last year with the renewed deployment of additional police and military personnel, including the establishment of military bases and rapid-response units that continuously patrol the vital highway as a deterrent to criminal elements and respond swiftly to any reported incidents. The presence of uniformed personnel, particularly at night, has significantly boosted the confidence of road users, many of whom had previously avoided night travel altogether.

This patrol has also boosted my confidence, as I recently had the opportunity to travel on the road at night, and their friendly disposition reminded me of the good days when night travel was my preferred means of transport. The patrol and rapid response team along this route have indeed demonstrated remarkable dedication and professionalism in the discharge of their duties, which has left me in awe during the times I have encountered them. Local communities along the highway deserve some commendation for playing a pivotal role by forming vigilante groups and sharing intelligence with security agencies. Other road users have also expressed similar joy, as they now feel safer on the road.

While the progress is commendable, stakeholders emphasise the need for sustained patrol efforts from the army to ensure long-term sustainability. However, concerns remain regarding the potential for criminals to adapt or relocate to alternative routes. Community policing and addressing the push and pull factors that make crime appealing, such as poverty and unemployment, remain critical for maintaining a safe highway along this route, as well as other major highways throughout the country. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades are critical. Potholes, inadequate lighting, and abandoned checkpoints (often used as ambush sites) still plague sections of the road. The recent directive from President Bola Tinubu for the establishment of forest guards to patrol the over 20 million hectares of forest in the country, if properly coordinated and effectively integrated, will help reduce the number of criminals on the highway who use the forests as hideouts.

The transformation of the Abuja-Lokoja Highway from a hotspot of crime to a model of safer travel in the country further underscores the effectiveness of adequately deploying proactive security personnel to combat crime. As Nigeria grapples with enormous security challenges, the success along this highway serves as a blueprint for replication. For now, the reduced crime rate stands as a testament to what can be achieved when proactive measures and collective resolve converge—a victory worth celebrating and safeguarding.

Emeka Onuh, a researcher, development professional, and organic intellectual, writes from Abuja via [email protected].