By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the 20 local government areas of the state as part of measures to strengthen traffic enforcement, enhance public safety and ensure smooth movement on major roads.
The exercise, which follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is designed to address traffic violations capable of endangering road users and creating opportunities for criminal activities along major transportation corridors.
Under the renewed operation, the police will target offences such as driving against traffic, reckless and dangerous driving, unauthorised use of emergency sirens, and the use of vehicles with missing, tampered with or concealed number plates.
Other violations to be tackled include driving without valid licences, overloading of vehicles and indiscriminate parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of operational units to ensure strict and effective implementation of the exercise within their jurisdictions.
Ojajuni also ordered that officers deployed for the operation be adequately briefed and properly supervised, stressing that enforcement must be carried out professionally, firmly and with due respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Commissioner warned officers against turning the operation into an avenue for extortion, harassment, unlawful detention or illegal seizure of vehicles and documents. He said supervisory officers would be held responsible for the conduct of personnel under their command.
He further stated that any officer found engaging in bribery, intimidation or other forms of misconduct would face disciplinary measures in accordance with police regulations.
The command urged motorists, transport operators, fleet owners and other road users to comply with traffic laws and cooperate with officers carrying out the enforcement exercise.
It also cautioned members of the public against offering bribes or inducements to police personnel to evade legitimate sanctions, assuring residents that Operation VELVET would be implemented with professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The command solicited the cooperation of residents and other stakeholders as it intensifies efforts to make roads across Ogun State safer and improve traffic management.
