(Dr Peter Mba. Photo by Premuim times)
The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has banned all traffic task force operations on federal highways within the state, with immediate effect.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority, made available to reporters.
According to the commander, the ban forms part of the government’s efforts to curb the activities of fake enforcement officials extorting motorists.
He explained that the ministry arrived at the decision following reports that individuals posing as officials of the Ministry of Transport had been operating on federal highways, harassing and extorting motorists.
He noted that such actions tarnish the image of the ministry, adding that a special team had since been constituted to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operations.
The commander confirmed that some suspected fake task force operatives were recently arrested while allegedly extorting motorists in different parts of the state capital, noting that the suspects were currently being interrogated and would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The ministry urged members of the public and motorists to promptly report any genuine complaints or encounters with suspected fake task force officials to the traffic agency commander’s office.
It warned that anyone found harassing or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.
