Enugu Government Bans MOT Task Force Operations on Highways Over Extortion Allegations
Enugu Government Bans MOT Task Force Operations on Highways Over Extortion Allegations
According to the government, the decision followed disturbing reports that impostors posing as officials of the Ministry of Transport had been mounting illegal operations on federal highways, stopping motorists, demanding money, and damaging the image of the ministry through unauthorised enforcement activities.
The ban appears to be part of a wider effort to clean up traffic enforcement operations within the Enugu metropolis and protect motorists from abuse by individuals who have allegedly turned fake enforcement into a tool for extortion.
Over time, complaints have continued to surface from drivers and commuters who say they have been harassed by people claiming to be transport enforcement officers. In many of those cases, motorists accused the operatives of demanding money, threatening vehicle seizure, or using intimidation under the cover of official duty.
The government now says enough is enough.
By stopping all MOT task force activities on federal highways for the time being, the state appears to be drawing a clear line between lawful traffic administration and the growing network of impostors exploiting the system.
One of the key concerns raised in the statement is the reputational damage allegedly caused by these fake task force operatives. According to the ministry, some of the people operating on major roads and federal highways are not recognised officials, yet they wear the appearance of authority and present themselves to motorists as if they are acting on behalf of the state. That has created confusion among road users and made it harder for people to distinguish between genuine traffic officials and extortionists.
The ministry believes this impersonation has not only damaged public trust but has also undermined legitimate traffic management efforts across the city.
The government says it has already begun taking action. According to the statement, some suspected fake task force operatives were recently arrested in different parts of the Enugu metropolis while allegedly extorting motorists. The suspects are said to be undergoing interrogation, and the state has indicated that they will be prosecuted in accordance with the law if found culpable. This development suggests that the ban is not just a public warning, but part of a broader enforcement strategy that includes arrests, investigations, and possible criminal prosecution.
In addition to the ban, the Ministry of Transport said it has constituted a special team to identify and apprehend those behind the illegal operations. The goal of the team is likely twofold: to remove fake enforcement agents from the roads and to restore confidence in official traffic management structures. If effectively implemented, the move could help reduce harassment on major routes, protect motorists from unlawful extortion, and make it easier for residents to report suspicious activity without fear of being ignored.
For motorists in Enugu, the announcement is significant because it changes what should be expected on federal highways across the metropolis. With the ban now in place, road users should no longer encounter MOT task force officials carrying out enforcement activities on those highways under the authority of the state ministry.
That means any individual attempting to stop, intimidate, fine, or extort motorists on such routes while claiming to be acting as an MOT task force operative may immediately attract suspicion. The government is effectively asking the public to stay alert and help expose those who continue to operate illegally.
To support the crackdown, the ministry has urged residents and motorists to report any genuine complaint or encounter involving suspected fake task force officials. According to the statement, such reports should be directed to the Office of the ESTMA Commander through the phone number 08102382688 for immediate intervention. This is an important part of the response because enforcement alone may not be enough if motorists do not have a direct channel to alert authorities in real time.
The ministry also issued a strong warning 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.
That warning appears aimed not just at impostors, but at anyone who may attempt to exploit the confusion around road enforcement for personal gain. It sends a message that the government wants tighter control over who has the authority to operate on the roads and under what conditions.
Beyond the immediate ban, the development raises broader questions about traffic enforcement, public accountability, and how easily state authority can be imitated on Nigerian roads. When motorists can no longer tell whether a road official is genuine or fake, public trust begins to collapse. People become more fearful, less cooperative, and more vulnerable to abuse.
The Enugu government’s action suggests an acknowledgement that road enforcement cannot be effective if the public sees it mainly as a source of harassment and extortion.
You can also read;
Police Impound 120 Vehicles in Ogun and Delta Over Number Plate Violations
The Enugu State Government’s decision to ban MOT task force operations on federal highways across the metropolis marks a major step in its effort to tackle fake traffic enforcement and protect motorists from extortion. With arrests already made, a special investigative team set up, and a public complaint line released, the government appears determined to confront the problem directly.
For residents and road users, the key message is clear: anyone using the name of the Ministry of Transport to harass or extort motorists on federal highways should be reported, because the state says such operations are no longer permitted.
Comments
Post a Comment
By commenting, you agree that your comments may be published and that you will not post offensive or illegal content. ESN is not responsible for third-party comments.