Allegations have surfaced that security operatives in Port Harcourt are using minibuses to arrest individuals around NTA road and transport them to Bayelsa State, raising concerns about potential human rights violations and extrajudicial activities.
A video shared on social media on Tuesday claims that these operations are targeting people in the area, prompting calls for an official response from local authorities. The video, which has garnered significant attention, alleges that the practice involves detaining individuals without apparent legal justification and moving them across state lines.
This development comes amidst a backdrop of previous security operations in the region. In 2021, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a sting operation in Port Harcourt, arresting 43 suspected internet fraudsters. While that operation did not specifically involve minibuses, it underscores a pattern of security forces using various means for detentions in the area.
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Local residents and human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the reported use of minibuses for arrests, citing concerns about the legality and ethics of such actions. “This is a serious breach of human rights if true,” said a local activist who requested anonymity due to fear of reprisal. “People should not be arbitrarily detained and transported without due process.”
As of Tuesday evening, neither the Rivers State Police Command nor other security agencies have issued a statement addressing the allegations. The lack of an official response has fueled further speculation and concern among the public.
The allegations also resonate with broader issues of security and human rights in Nigeria, as documented in the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, which highlighted credible reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions across the country. The reports noted that such practices often occur without commensurate penalties or effective enforcement of applicable laws.
The situation in Port Harcourt continues to evolve, with residents and observers closely watching for any official response or further developments regarding the alleged use of minibuses for arrests. It bears mentioning that the outcome of this issue could have significant implications for security practices and human rights in the region.
