Abia Harmonized Taskforce Arrests Fake NURTW Officials Extorting Traders and Tricyclists in Aba

The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce has arrested four individuals posing as members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for alleged acts of extortion, intimidation, and illegal revenue collection along Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

The suspects, led by one Mr. Ahuama (surname unknown), were apprehended during a coordinated operation authorized by the Aba Area Coordinator, Mr. Uche Wogu, at the Flyover Junction, Port Harcourt Road, Ugwunagbo Local Government Area.

The clampdown followed several verified complaints from market women, tricycle (Keke) operators, and traders who reported being harassed and forced to pay illegal levies by individuals claiming to be NURTW officials.

According to reports, the suspects had impounded about twenty tricycles earlier that morning and extorted money from their owners before Taskforce operatives, working with police officers, intercepted and arrested them.

Eyewitnesses said the suspects resisted arrest and attacked members of the Taskforce and police officers before being subdued and taken into custody for further investigation.

Speaking after the operation, the spokesperson of the Abia State Harmonized Taskforce, Comrade Miracle Chukwunenye, warned the public against giving cash to anyone claiming to represent the government or any transport union.

He stressed that the Alex Otti administration runs a No-Cash-at-Hand revenue system, meaning no authorized government agent or Taskforce personnel is permitted to collect money directly from citizens. All payments due to the state must be made online through verified government platforms.

Comrade Chukwunenye urged traders, motorists, and transport operators to report any form of extortion, harassment, or impersonation using the official contact numbers boldly printed on Taskforce uniforms to enable quick response and enforcement.

He said the current administration is determined to rid Abia of illegal tax collectors, fake revenue agents, and impostors who defraud residents and disrupt lawful business activities.

“We are no longer in the old order,” Chukwunenye stated. “Under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, the right thing must be done. Our duty is to protect the people from extortionists and ensure that Abia’s revenue system works transparently and fairly for everyone.”

The Abia State Harmonized Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, curbing illegal revenue activities, and supporting the government’s drive toward transparency, discipline, and accountability across all sectors.