Freight forwarders petition IGP over alleged extortion of imported vehicle drivers

By Steve Agbota

The Kayfar Freight Forwarding Forum (KFF Forum) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), urging him to intervene in what it described as the indiscriminate enforcement of the nationwide clampdown on unregistered vehicles, which it said is being exploited by some officers to extort freight forwarders and drivers transporting newly imported vehicles.

In a letter dated June 16, 2026, and signed by the forum’s National Coordinator, Dr. Farinto Collins Kayode, the association said that although it supports the police directive aimed at tackling insecurity, the manner in which the operation is being carried out is creating serious challenges for legitimate operators in the maritime and logistics sector.

The letter, addressed to the IGP, also congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to reform the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen professionalism within the service. The forum commended the directive ordering police formations across the country to impound unregistered vehicles, describing it as a necessary step in the fight against insecurity.

According to the association, the measure is a proactive initiative that could help curb criminal activities such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. However, the freight forwarders argued that some police officers are misapplying the directive by failing to distinguish between vehicles being used unlawfully on public roads and newly imported vehicles that are legitimately being transported from seaports to their owners, dealerships and other approved destinations. The association alleged that the enforcement exercise has increasingly become a source of extortion, with clearing agents and drivers of imported used vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo” vehicles, facing harassment and demands for illegal payments from some police personnel.

The petition specifically drew attention to police formations operating around the Lagos port corridor, where the group claimed officers routinely stop drivers transporting newly cleared vehicles from the ports.

The forum alleged that officers attached to various checkpoints, including those around the Area ‘B’ Police Command near the seaport, frequently intercept vehicles in transit and subject drivers to unnecessary delays and extortion. While reiterating its support for efforts to improve national security, the association urged the IGP to issue clear guidelines to officers involved in the operation to prevent abuse and ensure that legitimate business activities are not disrupted.

The group warned that continued harassment of freight forwarders and vehicle transporters could negatively affect port operations, increase logistics costs and undermine trade facilitation efforts.

It, therefore, called on the police leadership to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action against any officers found to be exploiting the exercise for personal gain.

The forum maintained that newly imported vehicles being moved from ports should not be treated as regular unregistered vehicles operating on public roads, stressing that such vehicles are part of legitimate commercial transactions and should be allowed to reach their destinations without undue interference.