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A group of Nigerian freight forwarders, under the aegis of Kayfar Freight Forwarding Forum (KFF Forum), has appealed to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to intervene in what it described as the indiscriminate enforcement of the nationwide clampdown on unregistered vehicles.
The group alleged that some police officers are exploiting the exercise to extort freight forwarders and drivers transporting newly imported vehicles from the nation’s seaports.
In a letter dated June 16, 2026, addressed to the IGP, the association said that while it supports the police directive aimed at combating insecurity, its implementation has created unintended hardships for legitimate operators in the maritime sector.
Signed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Dr. Farinto Collins Kayode, the letter congratulated the IGP on his appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership and commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
The forum commended the directive ordering police formations nationwide to impound unregistered vehicles, describing it as a proactive measure capable of curbing crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.
However, the association expressed concern that the directive is allegedly being misapplied by some officers who fail to distinguish between vehicles being used unlawfully on public roads and newly imported vehicles that are legitimately being conveyed from the ports to their owners, dealerships or designated destinations.
According to the forum, the enforcement exercise has become an avenue for extortion, with clearing agents and drivers transporting newly imported used vehicles, popularly known as “Tokunbo” vehicles, allegedly being subjected to harassment and demands for illegal payments by some police personnel.
The association particularly identified police formations around the Lagos ports, alleging that officers stationed within the port corridor, including those around the Area ‘B’ Police Command near the seaport, routinely stop drivers conveying newly cleared vehicles and demand illegal payments.
It argued that such vehicles, which are yet to be registered because they have only just been cleared from the ports, should not be treated in the same manner as unregistered vehicles illegally plying public roads.
The forum warned that unless the situation is urgently addressed, continued harassment of freight forwarders and transporters could disrupt cargo evacuation operations and increase the cost of doing business at the ports.
To resolve the issue, the KFF Forum urged the Inspector-General of Police to issue a clear operational circular or signal to all police commands exempting newly imported vehicles in transit from the ports from the ongoing enforcement exercise.
The association maintained that such clarification would not only prevent abuse of the directive but also protect legitimate port users from unnecessary financial losses while allowing the police to remain focused on tackling criminal activities.
Efforts to obtain a response from the Nigeria Police Force on the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time.
