A group of dispatch riders gathered under a bridge in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, to protest what they described as harassment by the police. The riders, many of whom work for delivery services, held signs reading “Police Do Not Become Task Force” and “VIO Our Bikes Are Not Cars,” expressing their frustration with law enforcement’s treatment.
The protest, which took place at Waterlines, a known junction in the city, saw dozens of riders and their motorcycles assembled. The riders argued that the police’s actions were impeding their ability to conduct business, a sentiment echoed by local residents and observers. “This is our livelihood,” said one protester, who wished to remain anonymous. “We are not criminals. We just want to work without fear of being stopped or fined unjustly.”
The demonstration comes amid ongoing tensions between dispatch riders and law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when such services became crucial for deliveries. Reports of police misconduct, including extortion and harassment, have been documented, further straining relations between the community and the police.
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Local authorities have yet to respond to the protest, but the event has sparked discussions on social media and among residents about the need for better regulation and protection for dispatch riders. The protest’s visibility, captured in a video shared widely online, has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by these workers in Nigeria’s urban centers.
As at press time on Tuesday, the situation remained peaceful, with no reports of clashes between the protesters and law enforcement. However, the underlying issues of police conduct and rider safety continue to be a focal point for the community of riders.
