The transport sector in Rivers State is grappling with a sharp increase in operational costs as commercial taxi and bus drivers allege a significant spike in daily extortion by police officers across the city.
On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, a coalition of drivers operating along the Mile 1, Mile 2, Iwofe, and Aba Road corridors reported that the customary “levies” collected at security checkpoints have doubled, further squeezing the profit margins of an already struggling industry.
Drivers interviewed at various loading bays in the city claimed that the standard bribe, which previously stood at ₦100, has been increased to ₦200 per checkpoint. They expressed deep frustration that these payments are demanded regardless of whether a vehicle has complete documentation or is in good working condition.
“It is no longer about the law; it is now a daily tax we didn’t sign up for,” one driver lamented at the Mile 1 terminal. He noted that on a single trip from Mile 1 to Iwofe, a driver might encounter up to five checkpoints, totaling ₦1,000 in illegal “tolls” per round trip.
The allegations grew more specific regarding a police team reportedly attached to the Central Police Station (CPS) near Bennett Car Junction. Motorists claimed that officers at this particular spot have abandoned routine traffic management for a “₦5,000 daily target” per vehicle.
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During a field visit to the Station Bus Stop on Monday, January 26, reporters observed a heated exchange where a commercial driver was seen pleading with officers to accept ₦3,000 to allow him to continue his route. The offer was reportedly rejected, leading to a prolonged delay for the passengers on board.
From a business perspective, the increase in these illegal fees would cause a ripple effect throughout the local economy. Transport owners in Port Harcourt have warned that if the practice continues, they will be forced to increase fares for commuters to cover the “security overhead.”
This comes at a time when the cost of vehicle maintenance is already at an all-time high. Economic analysts point out that systemic extortion at checkpoints acts as a hidden tax on the movement of goods and people, ultimately discouraging investment in the state’s logistics sector.
The affected drivers are now calling on the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner of Police to intervene. While the Rivers State Police Command has previously arrested and paraded officers for similar offenses, most notably in October 2024 and January 2024, the drivers argue that the practice has simply “moved to new junctions.
” As of Tuesday afternoon, there has been no official statement from the PPRO regarding the specific allegations. The tension at the bus stops remains high, with drivers threatening a “park-and-strike” action if the daily demands are not addressed.
