The Anambra government has arrested illegal tax collectors in a statewide crackdown on touting and extortion.
Officials say the move aims to restore public trust and ensure lawful revenue collection practices.
The Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, in partnership with the State Anti-Touting Agency, has arrested and prosecuted several illegal revenue collectors as part of a statewide effort to eliminate criminal elements disguising as tax agents.
This was made known in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chairman of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Greg Ezeilo. He said the state government had intensified its enforcement activities to clamp down on unauthorized levy collection and related offences that disrupt economic order.
Ezeilo explained that targeted raids were carried out in several locations identified as hotspots for illegal tax collection. During the operations, individuals were apprehended for extorting money from residents and motorists under false claims of representing the state.
“We urge the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities to the authorities as we continue to rid the state of illegal practices. These operations send a clear message that unlawful acts will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The AIRS boss reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating touting, drug-related crimes, and unauthorized revenue agents across the state. He added that the administration was focused on restoring trust in the tax system and ensuring that revenue generation is done lawfully.
According to the statement, some suspects were arrested at UNIZIK Junction in Awka while extorting motorists, in violation of the state’s revenue laws. Others were caught at Regina Junction, collecting illegal levies from tricycle operators.
In one of the raids, an individual was found in possession of Indian hemp, drawing attention to the ongoing concerns around drug abuse in the state.
The arrested suspects were handed over to the Anambra Internal Revenue authorities for further investigation and later arraigned in court. They were convicted and sentenced to six months in prison.
Ezeilo noted that more operations are planned in the coming weeks, stressing that the administration is determined to clean up the revenue collection process and enforce accountability.
The enforcement actions have received praise from residents and business owners in the affected areas. Many welcomed the development, saying the removal of illegal collectors has helped restore calm and promote lawful business activities.
“This effort reflects our broader goal of sanitizing the revenue system and encouraging voluntary compliance through legal and transparent processes,” Ezeilo added.
The state government is also urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure that only authorized personnel are involved in tax and levy collection.
