Delta Police Clamp Down on Highway Extortion, Arrest Nine Suspects

In a bid to tackle the menace of illegal roadblocks and extortion on highways, the Delta State Police Command has embarked on a statewide operation, resulting in the arrest of nine suspects. The enforcement exercise, which commenced on Friday, is in line with the Federal Government's directive to eradicate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads. According to a statement issued by the state police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation targeted notorious locations where illegal toll collection and roadblocks have been disrupting free movement and endangering motorists. The suspects were apprehended at strategic locations, including the Head Bridge axis at the Delta-Anambra boundary and the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor. The police command has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order on highways across the state, warning that similar enforcement operations will continue in other areas. The command has also urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers during the ongoing operations. All the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded. The police statement reads, 'The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide clampdown on illegal road blocks and unauthorized revenue collection along highways, in strict compliance with the Federal Government directive to rid Nigerian roads of extortion and criminal activities.' The statement further added, 'During the operation, nine suspects were arrested at strategic locations, including the Head Bridge axis, the boundary between Delta and Anambra states, and the Benin-Asaba Expressway by Agbor.' The command reiterated its commitment to restoring sanity and safety to highways across the state, stating that similar enforcement exercises will be replicated in other parts of Delta to ensure that motorists and commuters travel without harassment or illegal levies.