The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in a statewide crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection along major highways in the state as part of efforts to rid the roads of extortion and criminal activities.
The enforcement operation, which commenced on Friday, was carried out in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to dismantle illegal checkpoints and end the harassment of motorists by unauthorised persons.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives targeted notorious locations where illegal toll collection and roadblocks had become common, disrupting the free movement of commuters and posing security risks to road users.
According to the police spokesman, nine suspects were arrested during the exercise at strategic locations, including the Head Bridge axis on the Delta-Anambra boundary and along the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.
Edafe stated that all the suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He reiterated the command’s resolve to restore order and ensure that highways across Delta State remain safe for motorists and other road users.
The police spokesman also disclosed that the enforcement exercise would be extended to other parts of the state, warning individuals involved in illegal revenue collection and highway extortion to desist or face the full weight of the law.
“The Delta State Police Command reiterates its commitment to restoring sanity and safety to highways across the state. Similar enforcement exercises will be replicated in other parts of Delta to ensure that motorists and commuters travel without harassment or illegal levies,” Edafe said.
He further appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that would assist in identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in illegal roadblocks, extortion and other criminal activities on the state’s highways.
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