The Benue State Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) has reported the successful apprehension of 47 illegal tax collectors operating in different areas of the state.Â
Jacintha Akaahan, the media aide to the Acting Chairman of BIRS, Emmanuel Agema, shared that this accomplishment was achieved within the past six months under her principal’s leadership.
Upon assuming office, Chairman Agema emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal checkpoint operators and their activities.
In response, he formed a taskforce team consisting of BIRS staff and security agents to carry out the arrests of these suspects.
Out of the 47 individuals apprehended, 10 were taken into custody at Igbor in Gwer East Local Government Area, six in Wuese in Konshisha LGA, and eight in Otukpa in Ogbadigbo LGA.
Additionally, five suspects were arrested in Howe in Gwer East LGA, while 10 others were nabbed for operating illegal roadblocks in the North bank vicinity of Makurdi.
Notably, illegal checkpoints were dismantled in Akeior in Utange of Ushongo, Tor Mkar in Konshisha LGA, Amaafu, and Gungul.
Akaahan also mentioned that three individuals involved in issuing fake receipts were apprehended in Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA.
Furthermore, Chairman Agema recently led a patrol of security operatives, including personnel from the Nigeria Police Force and the civil defence.
During this operation, five culprits were arrested at three locations in Ushongo and Vandeikya LGAs.
The media aide provided additional information, stating that the cases are currently at various stages, with some suspects in custody and others already arraigned.
The concerted efforts of BIRS, along with law enforcement agencies, highlight their commitment to combating illegal tax collection activities in Benue State.
