Fake Task Force Members Disguised as MOT Officials Arrested in Enugu

Fake Task Force Members Disguised as MOT Officials Arrested in Enugu Over Alleged Extortion of Motorists

Fresh concern has emerged in Enugu after reports surfaced that individuals posing as officials of the Ministry of Transport were arrested for allegedly extorting motorists with fake identification cards.

The development has triggered renewed calls for a crackdown on fake enforcement teams operating on roads and targeting drivers under the guise of government traffic operations.

According to reports surrounding the incident, the suspects allegedly operated as a fake task force while presenting themselves as officials of the Ministry of Transport. They were said to have used counterfeit identification cards and official-looking tactics to stop motorists and demand money. Their activities reportedly created fear among drivers, especially commercial operators and private motorists who often struggle to distinguish between genuine enforcement officers and impostors.

Motorists in many parts of Enugu have repeatedly complained about illegal road extortion by unauthorised individuals who mount checkpoints, threaten vehicle impoundment, and demand on-the-spot payments.

In cases like this, fake task force operators often take advantage of public confusion by wearing reflective jackets, flashing fake identity cards, or claiming to be attached to traffic enforcement agencies. The arrest of the suspected impostors has therefore been welcomed by many residents as a necessary step toward restoring order and protecting road users from harassment.

Beyond extortion, fake enforcement teams create a serious security risk. When criminals are allowed to pose as government officials, it undermines trust in legitimate agencies and puts motorists at risk of financial exploitation, intimidation, and possible violence. It also makes genuine law enforcement more difficult, because citizens may become hesitant to cooperate with real officers after repeated encounters with impostors.

The incident has renewed demands for state authorities to intensify surveillance against fake task forces and anyone impersonating transport, traffic, or security officials. Many road users believe government agencies should do more to publicise the identity of authorised enforcement bodies, standardise official uniforms and identification, and establish hotlines for reporting suspicious roadside operations.

There are also calls for stiff prosecution of anyone found extorting motorists under false pretences.

For many residents, the arrest is not just about one group of suspects — it highlights a wider issue that has affected road users for years. Motorists want a safer road environment where they can travel without fear of being stopped by impostors claiming to represent the government.

Ending fake task force operations would not only reduce extortion but also help rebuild confidence in lawful traffic enforcement across Enugu State.

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The reported arrest of fake task force members disguised as MOT officials is a reminder that road extortion remains a serious problem that demands urgent attention. If confirmed and pursued to its conclusion, the case should serve as a warning to others using fake government identities to prey on motorists.

For now, the message from many Enugu residents is clear: stop fake task forces, stop extortion, and protect motorists from roadside harassment.