Motorists and commuters plying the Ikorodu–Epe Road corridor have raised fresh concerns over what they describe as growing intimidation and harassment by security personnel, particularly members of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and soldiers stationed along the route.
In recent days, drivers have begun warning passengers not to use their mobile phones during trips for fear of attracting the attention of operatives who reportedly react aggressively at the sight of phones in use.
Multiple witnesses told our correspondent that individuals caught using phones whether making calls or texting are often stopped and subjected to public humiliation. In several instances, passengers were reportedly ordered to hand over their phones and forced to smash them on the ground, allegedly as punishment.
“This is not about crime prevention anymore. What we are seeing is a pattern of abuse,” one commercial driver said. “They act like using a phone in a moving car is a criminal offense.”
Residents and regular users of the road say the aggressive behavior of the operatives has created a climate of fear, making the daily commute increasingly uncomfortable and unpredictable.
Some of the affected road users are calling for the intervention of the Lagos State Government and police authorities to investigate the conduct of officers on the route and establish clear guidelines that respect citizens’ rights while maintaining road security.
The road users want the state government to do something fast to salvage the situation.