By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Police Command has reactivated its Operation VELVET across the state as part of renewed efforts to strengthen traffic law enforcement, improve road safety and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a press statement made available to journalists in Asaba.
The command said the operation followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and would target serious traffic violations capable of endangering road users or obstructing traffic.
The statement said offences targeted under the operation include reckless and dangerous driving, driving against traffic, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, illegal parking and obstruction of traffic.
Others include driving without a valid driver’s licence or relevant vehicle documents, operating unregistered vehicles or vehicles without number plates, use of fake, altered, defaced or concealed number plates, serious overloading and unauthorised use of sirens.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and other operational commanders to ensure effective implementation of the operation in their respective jurisdictions.
He also ordered that personnel deployed for the exercise be properly briefed and supervised, stressing that enforcement must be conducted firmly and lawfully while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of members of the public.
Oyeniyi warned that Operation VELVET must not become an avenue for extortion, harassment, intimidation, unlawful seizure of vehicles or documents, abuse of office or other forms of professional misconduct.
He charged supervising officers with ensuring strict accountability among personnel and warned that officers found engaging in extortion, corruption or other misconduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with police regulations and procedures.
The command also urged motorists and other road users to comply with traffic laws and cooperate with officers carrying out their duties lawfully.
It cautioned members of the public against offering money or other inducements to evade enforcement.
The command assured residents that Operation VELVET would be implemented with professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law, while soliciting the cooperation of road users towards safer roads and improved traffic flow across Delta State.
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