The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), in collaboration with security agencies, has apprehended eight individuals who were impersonating traffic officers and extorting motorists within the Ibadan metropolis.

The arrests were made during a routine operation aimed at curbing illegal activities by impersonators who mislead the public by posing as legitimate OYRTMA officials.

Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), Executive Chairman of OYRTMA, told journalists that the suspects had long been a menace, misleading motorists and causing chaos on the roads.

“We have recovered 95 vehicle number plates, ten 10-amp batteries, seventy-five 75-amp batteries, and counterfeit traffic tickets valued between N85,000 and N90,000 during the operation,” he revealed.

Adekoya stressed that the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts to stamp out the illegal activities of impostors posing as OYRTMA officers. He noted that the agency follows due process and does not issue fines arbitrarily.

“The agency issues authorised identity cards to all staff to help the public distinguish genuine officers from impostors,” he said, urging motorists to always verify the identity of traffic officers before complying with directives.

He further assured that OYRTMA would continue to work with security agencies to apprehend offenders and maintain safety and order on Oyo State roads. He also appealed to motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals claiming to be OYRTMA officials through the agency’s official channels.