Enugu Bans Traffic Task Force Operations on Federal Highways, Moves to End Fake Officials' Extortion of Motorists
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Toni Chibuike Anele
The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has announced an immediate ban on all traffic task force operations on federal highways within the Enugu metropolis, in a decisive move aimed at eliminating the activities of fake enforcement agents who have allegedly been extorting, harassing and intimidating motorists.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority, Mr. Kenneth Aniebonam Ugwu.
According to the statement, the ministry took the decision following growing reports of individuals impersonating officials of the Ministry of Transport and operating illegally on federal highways. The impostors were said to have mounted unauthorized checkpoints where they extorted money from motorists, commercial drivers and transport operators while falsely claiming to be carrying out official enforcement duties.
The ministry explained that the activities of the fake task force operatives had not only caused hardship for road users but had also damaged the reputation of the ministry and genuine traffic management personnel.
As part of measures to restore public confidence and sanitize traffic enforcement operations, the ministry announced the establishment of a special enforcement team tasked with identifying, arresting and prosecuting all individuals involved in the illegal activities.
The statement further disclosed that several suspected fake task force operatives had already been arrested in different parts of the Enugu metropolis while allegedly extorting motorists. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The ministry urged motorists and members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving individuals claiming to be traffic enforcement officers. Complaints can be lodged directly with the Office of the ESTMA Commander through the designated hotline, 08102382688, for immediate intervention.
It warned that anyone found harassing, intimidating or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and prosecuted without exception.
LONG-STANDING CONCERNS
For several years, motorists and commercial drivers operating within Enugu have complained about the activities of fake task force agents who allegedly exploit unsuspecting road users.
Many transport operators have alleged that the impostors often operate in groups, intercepting vehicles at strategic locations, demanding illegal payments and threatening to impound vehicles if their demands are not met.
Some victims have also claimed that in extreme cases, vehicles were driven away by individuals posing as government officials under the pretext of committing traffic offences, only for owners to discover later that the vehicles had been stolen or illegally detained.
Commercial drivers have repeatedly appealed to the state government to distinguish genuine traffic enforcement personnel from criminal elements exploiting government authority for personal gain.
The latest directive by the Ministry of Transport is therefore being viewed as a major step toward addressing a challenge that has persisted for years.
Motorists welcome government's action
Following the announcement, many motorists and commercial transport operators expressed relief, describing the directive as timely and necessary.
A commercial bus driver operating along the Independence Layout–Ogbete axis said fake task force agents had become a major source of fear for drivers.
According to him, many commercial drivers had suffered intimidation, unlawful arrests and extortion from individuals who displayed no official identification but claimed to represent the Ministry of Transport.
Another tricycle operator described the development as "a victory for ordinary citizens," noting that several drivers had lost significant amounts of money to illegal roadside operatives who took advantage of public ignorance.
Private motorists also welcomed the decision, saying genuine law enforcement should always be professional, transparent and accountable.
Some residents called on the special enforcement team to extend its operations beyond the Enugu metropolis to other parts of the state where similar complaints have been reported.
COMMENDATION FOR GOVERNMENT
The decision by the Ministry of Transport has attracted commendation from residents, transport unions and road users who believe it reflects the government's determination to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens from criminal exploitation.
Particular commendation has been directed to the Commissioner for Transport, the leadership of ESTMA and the administration of Peter Mbah for taking decisive steps to sanitize traffic management across the state.
Observers say the action is consistent with the state's broader reforms aimed at improving public service delivery, strengthening institutions and creating a safer environment for residents and investors.
Stakeholders have urged the government not to stop at banning the operations but to sustain intelligence gathering, regular patrols and public awareness campaigns that will help expose impostors and discourage criminal activities carried out under the guise of government authority.
They also called for strict prosecution of all arrested suspects to serve as a deterrent to others who may attempt to impersonate government officials.
With the establishment of a special enforcement team and the government's renewed commitment to protecting motorists, many residents believe Enugu is taking an important step toward restoring confidence in traffic regulation and ensuring that road users are no longer subjected to harassment and extortion by criminal elements masquerading as public officials.
