The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide crackdown on traffic offenders, commencing Operation VELVET on Tuesday in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation is designed to enforce vehicle and traffic regulations, improve road safety, and boost security across the state.
Edafe said the exercise specifically targets vehicles without valid documentation, unregistered vehicles, those without number plates, and vehicles with defaced, obscured, altered or deliberately covered plates.
“Ten vehicles were contravened for traffic violations” in the Asaba metropolis alone, Edafe said, noting that the affected vehicles had been taken to a mobile court in the state capital and were undergoing judicial processes.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, personally led the flag-off of the operation in Asaba, even as the exercise got underway simultaneously across all nine Area Commands and police divisions statewide, Edafe disclosed.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Commissioner urged motorists and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly documented, with approved number plates clearly displayed.
He also had a stern warning for officers deployed on the exercise. According to Edafe, the CP charged personnel to remain “firm, civil and professional,” cautioning that extortion, harassment or any form of misconduct would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner further appealed for public cooperation, assuring residents that enforcement would be carried out professionally, lawfully, and “with due regard for the rights and dignity of citizens,” Edafe quoted him as saying.
Edafe added that the Command remains committed to ensuring proper vehicle identification, denying criminal elements the use of improperly identified vehicles, and strengthening road safety and security across Delta State.
