The Abia State Harmonised Taskforce has apprehended four individuals impersonating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for acts of extortion, intimidation, and illegal enforcement along the Port Harcourt Road axis of Aba and its environs.
The operation authorised by the Aba area Coordinator, Mr Uche Wogu, which happened today Thursday 9, 2025 at Flyover Junction, Port Harcourt Road, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area, followed multiple verified complaints from market women, tricycle (Keke) operators, and traders about the unlawful activities of a group led by one Mr Ahuama (surname unknown).
Upon arrival, the Taskforce, in joint effort with the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and other three accomplices who were caught extorting money from unsuspecting traders and tricycle operators under the false pretense of being NURTW officials.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had already impounded about twenty (20) tricycles earlier that morning and collected money from the owners before being intercepted. During the operation, the suspects resisted arrest and attacked Taskforce operatives and police officers, but were eventually subdued and are now in custody. Following the arrests, the spokesperson of the Abia State Harmonized Taskforce, Comr. Miracle Chukwunenye, alongside the Operations Personnel addressed traders, tricyclists and motorcyclists at the scene.
They cautioned members of the public against giving money to anyone under any guise of government or union enforcement. Comr. Chukwunenye emphasized that Abia State operates a strict No-Cash-at-Hand revenue system, and as such, no government-authorized personnel is permitted to collect cash from citizens. All payments due to the state government must be made online through official platforms only. He further instructed members of the public to report any form of extortion, harassment, or impersonation to the appropriate authorities using the official contact numbers boldly inscribed on the uniforms of Harmonized Taskforce personnel, to enable swift intervention. According to him, these measures are in line with Governor Dr. Alex Otti’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Abia residents from fraudulent practices and revenue theft. “We are no longer in the old order,” Chukwunenye said. “Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the right thing must be done and will continue to be done to protect the people from extortionists and ensure that Abia’s revenue system works for everyone.” The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce reaffirmed its resolve to maintain law and order across the state, curb illegal revenue collection, and support the government’s broader agenda of restoring discipline and integrity in all sectors.
