Enugu Bans Traffic Task Force Operations on Federal Highways to Curb Illegal Extortion
Enugu Targets Illegal Traffic Enforcement with Highway Task Force Ban
The Enugu State Government has banned all traffic task force operations on federal highways across the Enugu metropolis with immediate effect, as part of efforts to eliminate illegal traffic enforcement and protect motorists from extortion. The directive follows reports of individuals impersonating officials of the state's Ministry of Transport to harass road users and demand unlawful payments.
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The government said the measure is intended to restore public confidence in traffic management while ensuring that only authorised agencies carry out enforcement duties within the state's legal framework. The ban applies specifically to traffic task force activities on federal highways and does not affect the statutory responsibilities of the Enugu State Traffic Management Authority (ESTMA).
Government Moves to End Illegal Traffic Enforcement
The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Commander of ESTMA, Kenneth Aniebonam Ugwu, and made available through the office of Governor Peter Mbah.
According to the state government, complaints from motorists revealed that individuals posing as officials of the Ministry of Transport had been operating illegally on federal highways, using intimidation and extortion to collect unauthorised payments from road users. Authorities said the activities of the fake operatives had damaged the reputation of legitimate traffic enforcement agencies and undermined public trust in the transport system.
Special Enforcement Team Established
To address the problem, the Ministry of Transport has constituted a special enforcement team tasked with identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in the illegal operations.
The government disclosed that several suspected fake task force operatives have already been arrested in different parts of the Enugu metropolis while allegedly extorting motorists. The suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will face prosecution in accordance with the law if found culpable.
Motorists Encouraged to Report Illegal Activities
The state government urged motorists and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected fake traffic officials or any incidents of harassment through the Office of the Commander of ESTMA for prompt intervention.
Officials warned that anyone found intimidating, harassing or extorting motorists under the guise of traffic enforcement would be arrested and prosecuted. The government stressed that the crackdown forms part of broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability within the state's transport management system.
Policy Aligns with Wider Road Governance Reforms
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by federal and state authorities to curb illegal revenue collection on Nigerian roads.
In December 2025, the Joint Revenue Board directed that taxes, levies and related charges should no longer be collected through roadblocks or checkpoints and called on security agencies to dismantle illegal collection points nationwide. The Enugu government's latest action reinforces that policy by targeting unauthorised enforcement activities on federal highways.
For investors, transport operators and logistics companies, improved traffic governance can enhance the efficiency of road transport, reduce informal costs and strengthen confidence in the regulatory environment. Effective enforcement also supports safer movement of people and goods, contributing to a more predictable business climate.
Looking Ahead
The Enugu State Government has indicated that enforcement against fake traffic operatives will continue as authorities work to sanitise road management across the state.
While lawful traffic management by ESTMA remains in place, the ban on traffic task force operations on federal highways is expected to reduce illegal extortion, improve accountability and reinforce the integrity of transport regulation within the Enugu metropolis.
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