The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) has arrested four individuals impersonating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for allegedly extorting money, intimidating citizens, and carrying out illegal enforcement along the Port Harcourt Road area in Aba and its surroundings.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday at Flyover Junction near Ugwunagbo during an operation authorized by the Aba Area Coordinator of ASHTF, Mr. Uche Wogu.

According to Miracle Chukwunenye, ASHTF spokesperson, the taskforce acted following multiple complaints from market women, tricycle operators, and traders about the group led by one Mr. Ahuama.

“Upon arrival, the taskforce, working alongside the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and three accomplices who were extorting money from unsuspecting traders and tricycle operators under the guise of being NURTW officials,” Chukwunenye said.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had impounded around 20 tricycles earlier that morning and collected cash from their owners before being intercepted. During the arrest, the suspects resisted and even attacked taskforce operatives and police officers but were ultimately subdued and are now in custody.

Chukwunenye reminded traders and transporters that Abia State operates a strict No-Cash-at-Hand revenue system, warning that no government-authorized personnel is allowed to collect money directly from citizens.