Abia State Harmonized Taskforce (ASHTF) has arrested four individuals impersonating members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for extortion, intimidation, and illegal enforcement along the Port Harcourt Road axis of Aba and surrounding areas.

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

According to Miracle Chukwunenye, ASHTF spokesperson, the agency received multiple complaints from market women, tricycle (keke) operators, and traders about the unlawful activities of a group led by one Mr. Ahuama.

“Upon arrival, the Taskforce, working with the police, arrested Mr. Ahuama and three accomplices, who were extorting money from unsuspecting traders and tricycle operators while falsely claiming to be NURTW officials,” Chukwunenye stated.

Investigations revealed that the suspects had already impounded about 20 tricycles earlier that morning and collected money from the owners before being intercepted.

He added that during the operation, the suspects resisted arrest and attacked Taskforce operatives and police officers, but were eventually subdued and are now in custody.

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