(DDM) – Four members of the Delta State environmental marshal taskforce have been arrested in Asaba for allegedly extorting residents of Oshimili South Local Government Area during unauthorized operations.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the suspects were apprehended along Summit Road in Asaba while conducting night patrols beyond the approved working hours.
Their activities sparked public outrage after reports emerged that they were stopping residents and demanding illegal payments.
Authorities revealed that one of the arrested marshals had been impersonating a senior officer to intimidate unsuspecting residents.
This revelation has heightened concerns over corruption within the environmental enforcement taskforce.
Supervisor on Environment for Oshimili South, Comrade Adim Dikedi, confirmed the arrests and ordered their immediate detention.
He recalled that in January, his office issued a strict directive banning marshals from operating beyond 4:00 pm.
According to Dikedi, only marshals assigned to the Ogbegonogo Market are permitted to assist with traffic control during the evening.
He emphasized that any officer caught violating operational guidelines would face swift arrest and prosecution.
The Supervisor condemned the actions of the arrested officers, stressing that such misconduct undermines public trust in the state’s environmental enforcement framework.
He reiterated that the state government has zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of power.
Background checks show that Delta State introduced the environmental marshal scheme to enforce sanitation rules, manage waste, and control traffic in congested urban areas.
However, over the years, residents have accused some marshals of harassment, extortion, and operating outside their mandate.
This latest arrest underscores mounting concerns that some marshals exploit their uniforms and authority to prey on citizens, especially during unapproved night operations.
Public analysts argue that unless reforms are enforced, the scheme could lose legitimacy and public cooperation.
Experts have suggested stricter monitoring, regular audits of marshal activities, and disciplinary measures to curb excesses.
They also call for improved training and digital oversight tools, including body cameras, to ensure accountability.
Residents of Asaba have welcomed the arrests, with some insisting that prosecution of offenders will serve as a deterrent to others still engaged in illegal activities.
Comrade Dikedi assured the public that the state is committed to cleansing the system and restoring confidence in environmental taskforce operations.
He urged residents to report any misconduct directly to his office for immediate action.
With the arrest of the four marshals, Delta State authorities now face fresh pressure to tighten oversight and restore integrity to a system that was originally created to serve the public good.