The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspects in a statewide crackdown on illegal roadblocks and unauthorised revenue collection along highways across the state.

The command said the enforcement exercise was launched in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive to eliminate extortion and criminal activities on Nigerian roads.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the state police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operation began on Friday, targeting notorious locations where illegal toll collection and roadblocks have disrupted free movement and endangered motorists.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested at strategic locations, including the Head Bridge axis at the Delta-Anambra boundary and the Benin-Asaba Expressway near Agbor.

“The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide clampdown on illegal road blocks and unauthorized revenue collection along highways, in strict compliance with the Federal Government directive to rid Nigerian roads of extortion and criminal activities,” the statement read.

It added, “During the operation, nine suspects were arrested at strategic locations, including the Head Bridge axis, the boundary between Delta and Anambra states, and the Benin-Asaba Expressway by Agbor.”

The police said all the suspects are in custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order on highways across the state and warned that similar enforcement operations would continue in other areas.

“The Delta State Police Command reiterates its commitment to restoring sanity and safety to highways across the state.

“Similar enforcement exercises will be replicated in other parts of Delta to ensure that motorists and commuters travel without harassment or illegal levies,” the statement added.

The police also urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers during the ongoing operations.