The Anambra State Government, through the Special Anti-Touting Squad, has arrested six illegal revenue collectors operating around the River Niger bridges and communities in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State.

The suspects were apprehended on Monday at different locations during a coordinated operation, following investigations that revealed they had been extorting residents, transport operators, and investors under the guise of collecting levies.

Speaking to journalists on the development, the Managing Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad, Monday Nwokoye, said the arrests were in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive that illegal cash collections must cease in the state.

Nwokoye said the operation was triggered by tip-offs and intelligence gathered from residents and victims who reported that some individuals were stopping people and forcefully collecting money from them under false pretences.

He said, “The Special Anti-Touting Squad recorded another major breakthrough on Monday with the arrest of six notorious illegal collectors operating across Ogbaru and the Head Bridge axis.

“The suspects were picked up during a coordinated operation after investigations revealed they had been extorting citizens, transport operators, and investors under the guise of collecting levies.

“The arrests align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive that there must be no more illegal cash collections in Anambra State.

“The state government has also directed that all legitimate levies must be paid only through the official state POS system to ensure proper documentation, transparency, and accountability.”

Nwokoye warned that anyone caught collecting money from residents, visitors, commercial buses, tricycle operators, or traders without authorisation would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“Anambra is not a playground for touts. The state will continue to flush out illegal operators to protect investors and restore order in public spaces,” he added.

PUNCH Online reports that on November 14, 2025, the Anambra State Government, through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, arrested seven illegal revenue collectors operating in various communities across the state.

The suspects were apprehended at Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area, Umueri in Anambra East LGA, and Nkpor along Obosi Road in Idemili North LGA.

The Commander of the AIRS Special Squad, Nathan Obikwelu, said the arrests followed a tip-off about an incident in Umueri, where individuals allegedly stopped a tricycle operator conveying 18 cartons of fish and demanded N18,000 from him. (The PUNCH)

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