The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has banned all traffic task force operations on federal highways within the state, effective immediately.

The directive was announced in a statement on Monday by the commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA), Kenneth Ugwu.

Mr Ugwu said that the ban was part of the government’s efforts to curb the activities of fake enforcement officials who extort funds from motorists.

According to him, the ministry took the decision after reports that impostors posing as transport ministry officials had been operating on federal highways, harassing and extorting motorists.

“Their action tarnishes the image of the ministry, and to address the situation, the ministry has constituted a special team to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operations,” Mr Ugwu said.

Mr Ugwu confirmed that authorities recently arrested some suspected fake task force operatives while allegedly extorting motorists in different parts of the state capital.

He added that the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The ministry, therefore, urged the public and motorists to promptly report any genuine complaint or encounter with suspected fake task force officials to the ESTMA commander’s office at 08102382688 for immediate intervention.

He warned that anyone found harassing or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and prosecuted.

(NAN)