The Anambra State Government, through the Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), has arrested seven suspected illegal revenue collectors operating across several communities.

The arrests were made in Umueze Anam (Anambra West), Umueri (Anambra East), and along the Nkpor–Obosi Road (Idemili North). AIRS Special Squad Commander, Nathan Obikwelu, said the operation followed a tip-off after suspects allegedly stopped a tricycle operator transporting 18 cartons of fish and demanded ₦18,000.

Those arrested include Olisah Monday, Chukwubuike Tony, Nweke Stephen, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, Ugochukwu Umerah, Oluebube Chukwunagolum, and Adakaigbo Onyeka. Obikwelu said they were caught extorting transporters and collecting illegal levies at a sand mining site.

He thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo and AIRS Chairman Dr. Greg Ezeilo for supporting the agency and warned that the clampdown on illegal revenue collectors will continue.

One suspect, Nwachukwu Nnamdi, admitted they were collecting money but claimed they had “legal documents.”

The state government reaffirmed its commitment to stopping illegal revenue collection and ensuring only authorised officials handle government levies.