By Victor A.C
This article have become very necessary, as the Executive arm of government especially Nigeria Police & more recently, Nigerian Military, that is meant to be law enforcement agencies, have turned to increase the cost of transportation on Nigerians plying road transportation. It's is well proven that over 85% of Nigerians travel by Road, hence the rate of hike in transportation fare should not only be attributed to mostly increase in fuel, diesel & inflation. Nigeria Police & Military is also a major contributor to this evil. This is how:
1. The increase in Road block & military check point all over the country as a result of security challenges by Boko Haram, Farmers Herdsmen clashes, activities of IPOB & Niger Delta Militants have enhance the level of bribery & extortion of security agents in Nigeria.
After a chat with a bus driver in one of the states in southern Nigeria, where the driver alleged that police & solider at various locations extort monies from them per trip, hence they have to shift some of those financial burdens on their passengers by increasing their cost, under the disguise of fuel & inflation.
2. It's has been widely believe that some security personnels in Nigeria are aiding & conniving with criminals to unleash several crimes on Nigerians traveling by road, this have made some towns & villages a "No Go Area". Hence, transporters who enroute to these presumed " No Go Areas" charge higher cost of transportation for commuters who might compulsorily go to this towns & villages for business, visits & other purposes.
3. The increasing rate of killings of bus & taxi drivers in Nigeria by Nigeria Police & military has partly contributed to the increase in cost of transportation in Nigeria.
4. Experience have shown that police & military extortions varies from State to state in Nigeria, some could be as high as N500 while some states, police & military extort N50 and above. The state commissioners of Police & Military Generals in various divisions in all states of the federation cannot deny not having knowledge of the levels of extortions & illegalities there subordinates have subjected Nigerians to. This show of shame by Nigerian security agents have psychologically made Nigerians to believe that Nigerian Police & military cannot change. Hence, since they can't beat them, you join them.
One might attribute this levels of corruption by security agents on poor remunerations of security personnels, but what ever the reasons might be, does not warrant this level of wickedness on Nigerians. They (Security agents) knew they aren't well paid & catered for before swearing an oath to discharge their duties efficient & with all honesty, hence one should not attribute any excuse to this shameful act.
Nigeria Police & Defence Headquarters must do something before it gets out of head. They must find lasting solutions to eradicate this trend by security agents if Nigeria must make progress as a Nation.

100% fact.