Traffic task force operations on federal highways across Enugu metropolis have been prohibited.
The prohibition, which is with immediate effect, is aimed at curbing the activities of fake enforcement officials who allegedly extort motorists.
The Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA), Mr Kenneth Ugwu, stated this in a statement on Monday.
Ugwu said the decision followed reports of individuals impersonating officials of the Enugu State Ministry of Transport to harass and extort motorists on federal highways. He said such acts were tarnishing the image of the ministry and undermining lawful traffic enforcement.
He added that the ban was part of the state’s efforts to eliminate illegal traffic enforcement activities and restore public confidence in the transport regulatory system. As part of measures to ensure compliance, Ugwu said the Ministry of Transport had constituted a special enforcement team “to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those behind the illegal operations”.
The statement revealed that some suspected fake task force operatives were recently arrested while allegedly extorting motorists in different parts of the Enugu metropolis. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, Ugwu said.
“Motorists and members of the public should report suspected fake task force officials or lodge genuine complaints through the Office of the Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA) for immediate intervention,” the statement stated.
It warned that anyone found harassing or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Our correspondent reports that the ban does not suspend lawful traffic management by the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA).
