The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has suspended all traffic task force operations on federal highways across the state with immediate effect.

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

Ugwu said the measure was introduced to curb the activities of individuals impersonating officials of the Ministry of Transport and allegedly extorting motorists on federal roads.

According to him, the ministry received reports that fake enforcement operatives had been harassing road users while posing as government officials, an act he said has damaged the ministry’s reputation.

He disclosed that a special team has been set up to identify and arrest those responsible for the illegal operations.

Ugwu also confirmed that some suspected fake task force operatives were recently apprehended in different parts of Enugu metropolis while allegedly extorting motorists.

He said the suspects are currently being interrogated and will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The ministry urged motorists and members of the public to report any encounter with suspected fake traffic enforcement officials or other related complaints to the office of the ESTMA Commander.

Ugwu warned that anyone found intimidating or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

(Photo Credit: Nigeria Housing Market)