By ALEX ENEBELI

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

The directive is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Commander of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA), Mr Kenneth Ugwu, and made available to newsmen.

Ugwu said that the ban was part of efforts of the government to curb the activities of fake enforcement officials, extorting funds from motorists.

According to him, the ministry took the decision following reports that impostors posing as officials of the Ministry of Transport 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,” he said.

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

The commander added that the suspects were currently undergoing interrogations and would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The ministry therefore, urged members of the public and motorists to promptly report any genuine complaint or encounter with suspected fake task force officials to the Office of the ESTMA Commander, via 08102382688 for immediate intervention.

He warned that anyone found harassing or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and made to face the full weight of the law. (NAN)