The Anambra State Government, through its Special Anti-Touting Squad, has arrested six illegal revenue collectors operating around the River Niger bridges and neighbouring communities in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Monday at various locations during a coordinated operation following investigations that revealed they were extorting residents, transport operators, and investors under the guise of collecting levies.
Speaking on the arrests, the Managing Director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad, Monday Nwokoye, said the action was in compliance with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to end all illegal cash collections in the state.
According to Nwokoye, the operation was prompted by tip-offs and intelligence from residents and victims who reported that individuals were unlawfully stopping people and forcefully collecting money from them under false pretences.
“The Special Anti-Touting Squad recorded another major breakthrough on Monday with the arrest of six notorious illegal collectors operating across Ogbaru and the Head Bridge axis,” he said.
“The suspects were picked up during a coordinated operation after investigations confirmed they had been extorting citizens, transport operators, and investors under the guise of collecting levies.
“These arrests align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive that there must be no more illegal cash collections in Anambra State. The government has also directed that all legitimate levies must be paid only through the official state POS system to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper documentation,” Nwokoye added.
He warned that anyone caught collecting money from residents, visitors, commercial bus drivers, tricycle operators, or traders without authorisation would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Anambra is not a playground for touts. The state will continue to flush out illegal operators to protect investors and restore order in public spaces,” he said.
On November 14, 2025, the Anambra State Government, through the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), arrested seven illegal revenue collectors across several communities in the state.
Those suspects were apprehended at Umueze Anam in Anambra West Local Government Area, Umueri in Anambra East LGA, and Nkpor along Obosi Road in Idemili North LGA.
The Commander of the AIRS Special Squad, Nathan Obikwelu, said the arrests followed a tip-off about an incident in Umueri, where individuals allegedly stopped a tricycle operator transporting 18 cartons of fish and demanded N18,000 from him.