The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in a statewide operation targeting illegal roadblocks and extortion on major highways across the state.
The command said the enforcement exercise was carried out in line with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate unlawful revenue collection and other criminal activities on Nigerian roads.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operation commenced on Friday, July 24, focusing on notorious locations where illegal toll collection and roadblocks have become prevalent.
According to Edafe, the suspects were arrested at the Head Bridge axis, the Delta-Anambra boundary and along the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.
He said the suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Edafe reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of motorists and commuters, stressing that road users should be able to travel without harassment or being subjected to illegal levies.
He added that similar enforcement operations would be extended to other parts of the state as part of sustained efforts to eliminate illegal roadblocks and extortion.
The police spokesperson also appealed to members of the public to support the command by providing credible information that would aid the arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in illegal revenue collection and related criminal activities on the state’s highways
