In a bid to support the Federal Government’s policy on easing business operations and combat economic sabotage and illegal taxation, the police have arrested 20 suspects involved in unauthorised revenue collection and multiple taxation along the Enugu and Abakaliki-Ebonyi highways.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, announced the arrests in a statement on Wednesday.

“The arrests represent a significant step toward eradicating illegal activities, promoting economic growth, and ensuring the smooth flow of industrial and agricultural produce on highways across the country,” Adejobi said.

The Nigeria Police Force made the first breakthrough on August 24, 2024, apprehending 14 suspects at the Abakaliki-Ebonyi boundary at 3 a.m. Further arrests included five suspects at Abumeje and Ogoja, with the final suspect detained in the Onuakpu area of Ebonyi.

The five suspects from the Abumeje and Ogoja areas have been charged with economic sabotage, illegal, and multiple taxation on highways.

The remaining suspects, currently in custody at the Ebonyi Command, are expected to appear in court soon.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to dismantling illegal revenue collection points and combating illegal taxation, thereby ensuring a safer and more secure environment for citizens, particularly for business owners.

“This operation marks the beginning of a broader effort to enforce the presidential order on easing business operations and tackling illegal roadblocks, revenue collection, and multiple taxation on highways,” Adejobi added. “The goal is to foster economic development in Nigeria.” (Daily Trust)