The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has ordered the removal of illegal roadblocks by unlawful revenue collectors.
A statement by the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood, in Abuja yesterday, said the Special X-Squad teams of the Force had been deployed to begin the exercise today.
He said the exercise would remove obstructions on public highways and roads mounted by unlawful revenue and tax collectors, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among others.
Moshood said the X-Squad teams deployed were under instructions to arrest, investigate and prosecute any person or group of persons found committing the illegal act.
“It is unlawful and contrary to the law for any individual, or group under any name to take the law into their hands and block any road or highway under the guise of collection of revenue/tax,” he said.
The spokesman advised state governments, local government councils and boards of Internal Revenue Services to desist from the act, as it was against the laws of the nation.
He said the illegal roadblocks were most times taken over and used by robbers and kidnappers to rob, kidnap and maim travellers and other road users.
Moshood said anyone arrested would be prosecuted with their sponsors.
“Parents and guardians are enjoined to monitor their children and wards. They should not allow themselves to be used to commit illegal acts under the pretence of employment.
“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police to enforce the law, guarantee security and safety of people and ensure a crime free society remains unwavering,” he said.