BENIN CITY – The Edo State Police Command has pledged unwavering support for the state government’s ongoing efforts to eliminate illegal revenue collection across the state, signaling a renewed and intensified crackdown on unauthorized levy agents.
This assurance was given during a high-level strategic meeting at the State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City, where the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, received a delegation from the Edo State Government. The delegation comprised the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Ikhilor; Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba (Hon.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun, Esq.; and Commander of the Edo State Special Taskforce, SP Michael Anetor.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door session, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who represented the Commissioner, affirmed the Command’s readiness to collaborate with the government and relevant agencies to enforce the ban on illegal levies and restore order across the state.
“The Edo State Police Command under CP Agbonika is fully aligned with the government’s directive and will actively support efforts to sanitize the revenue system,” said SP Yamu. “We commend Governor Monday Okpebholo for taking this bold step, and we assure Edo people that the Police will ensure the law is strictly enforced.”
In his remarks, EIRS Chairman Otunba Bankole-Balogun explained that the visit was to appreciate the Police Command for its ongoing support and to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in dismantling illegal revenue operations.
“We came to express our gratitude and to seek continued cooperation in rooting out this menace that has plagued traders, transporters, and market women with harassment and extortion,” he stated. “The Governor has made his position clear, and we are determined to enforce it rigorously.”
The renewed synergy comes on the heels of the arrest of ten individuals by the Edo State Special Taskforce for engaging in illegal revenue collection from traders and commercial drivers. The arrests were made during raids in key areas of Benin City, including Oka Market, Ring Road, Sapele Road, and Upper Sakponba. The suspects have since been handed over to the Police for further investigation and prosecution.
Taskforce Commander SP Michael Anetor emphasized that the operations would continue unabated until all illegal operators and their backers are flushed out.
In a decisive policy move, the state government had earlier dissolved all transport unions and revenue-collecting groups found guilty of violating official guidelines. It has also mandated that all legitimate revenue collection be routed exclusively through the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) using electronic payment channels.
With the Police Command’s full endorsement, the enforcement campaign is expected to intensify in the coming days, as the government doubles down on restoring transparency, curbing extortion, and protecting citizens’ rights across the state.
