The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned alleged extortion and harassment of road users by some security operatives in the South East, arising from what it described as the “heavy militarization” of the region.
The union also called for urgent rehabilitation of the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway, describing the major road corridor as a “deathtrap” requiring immediate federal intervention.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NUJ Zone C Zonal Executive Council (ZEC) meeting held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Awka, Anambra State.
The meeting, chaired by the Zonal Vice President, Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku JP, was attended by chairmen and secretaries of the NUJ councils in the five South-East states.
The ZEC urged the Inspector-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, state governors and commissioners of police to take immediate steps to end alleged harassment and extortion of motorists and other road users across the zone.
On infrastructure, the council commended ongoing federal projects but appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently rehabilitate deteriorating major roads, particularly the Onitsha–Owerri Expressway.
It also called on South-East governors to work with the Federal Ministry of Works to introduce permanent safety measures along the accident-prone Ugwu Onyema Hill axis in Enugu State.
The council further commended the Imo State NUJ Council for introducing biometric data capture for vehicle owners using NUJ stickers, saying the initiative would help curb quackery and improve security.
Other NUJ state councils in the zone were encouraged to adopt similar measures.
The ZEC also congratulated the Anambra State Council on the successful hosting of its 35th Anniversary and Press Week, urging it to sustain its contributions to professional journalism.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to engaging relevant authorities on issues affecting journalists, road safety, infrastructure and professional standards across the South-East.
