In a bid to support the Federal Government’s policy on easing business operations and to curb economic sabotage, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended 20 individuals suspected of engaging in unauthorized revenue collection and multiple taxation along the Enugu and Abakaliki-Ebonyi highways.
According to The PUNCH, the assistant Commissioner of Police and Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the development in a statement released on Wednesday.
“These arrests represent a significant move towards eliminating illegal activities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the free movement of goods, including industrial and agricultural produce, on highways nationwide,” Adejobi stated.
According to Adejobi, the operation began successfully on August 24, 2024, with the arrest of 14 suspects at the boundary between Abakaliki and Ebonyi around 3 a.m. “Further operations led to the apprehension of five more suspects in the Abumeje and Ogoja areas, with the final suspect arrested in the Onuakpu area of Ebonyi,” he noted.
He further explained, “The five suspects have been charged with economic sabotage and engaging in unauthorized and multiple taxation on highways. The remaining suspects are currently in custody at the Ebonyi Command and are expected to be arraigned in court soon.”
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterated the police force’s commitment to eradicating all illegal revenue checkpoints and unauthorized tax collections to provide a safer environment for businesses across the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains dedicated to dismantling all illegal revenue collection points and illegal taxation, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for citizens, especially businessmen and women in Nigeria,” Egbetokun emphasized.
He also highlighted that this operation is a strong demonstration of the police’s determination to enforce the Presidential order on easing business operations and combating illegal roadblocks and tax practices that hinder economic development.
“This operation marks a robust start for the police in escalating and enforcing the Presidential order on the ease of doing business and the fight against illegal roadblocks, revenue collection, and multiple taxation on the highways, aimed at promoting economic development in Nigeria,” Adejobi added.
