By Cosmos Ibe, Abuja

The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspects during a coordinated operation aimed at dismantling illegal roadblocks and ending unauthorised revenue collection on major highways across the state.

The enforcement exercise, launched in line with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads, targeted areas notorious for illegal toll collection and harassment of motorists.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that the operation commenced on Friday and focused on strategic locations where unlawful roadblocks had become a recurring challenge to commuters and road users.

According to the command, the suspects were apprehended at key points, including the Head Bridge corridor along the Delta–Anambra boundary and sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway near Agbor.

The police said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to restore order, guarantee the free movement of people and goods, and rid highways of individuals engaged in extortion and other unlawful activities.

Edafe stated that all nine suspects are currently in police custody and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The command reiterated its determination to sustain the crackdown and extend similar enforcement operations to other parts of the state where illegal revenue collection and roadblocks persist.

The police noted that the activities of unauthorised collectors and operators of illegal checkpoints not only inconvenience travellers but also pose security risks and undermine public confidence in lawful transportation systems.

The statement further assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring safer highways and protecting commuters from harassment, intimidation and unlawful levies.

The Delta State Police Command also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing useful information on illegal roadblocks and suspicious activities along major routes.

Police authorities stressed that collaboration between security agencies and the public remains critical to achieving safer roads and eliminating criminal practices that threaten the welfare of motorists and other road users.

The latest arrests underscore the command’s resolve to enforce the law and ensure that highways across Delta State remain free from extortion, intimidation and other forms of criminality.