In compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Plateau State Police Command has put modalities in place for the commencement of “OPERATION VELVET,” aimed at promoting road safety, preventing avoidable road traffic crashes, reducing traffic congestion, protecting lives and property, and improving the driving culture of motorists and other road users across the State.

The operation is designed to ensure strict compliance with existing road traffic laws and regulations and will cover motorists, tricycle operators and motorcyclists, with particular attention to obedience to traffic signs and signals, driving against traffic or one – way violations, compliance with approved speed limits, overloading of passengers and goods, and the possession of valid and up-to-date vehicle particulars, including roadworthiness certificates.

The Command will also enforce requirements relating to valid driver’s licences, proper registration and regularization of vehicle plate numbers, and compliance with the rule that the registration details on a vehicle’s plate number must correspond with the information contained in the vehicle’s documents. Violations relating to the use of tinted glass, as well as other serious road traffic offences, will equally be addressed in accordance with the law.

During his press briefing, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command Ayodeji Faniyan, directed all officers deployed for the operation to conduct themselves with the highest level of professionalism, civility and respect for the rights and dignity of road users. He warned them to ensure effective traffic management, and communicate with members of the public in a courteous, respectful and professional manner.

Faniyan further warned that extortion, harassment and intimidation of road users will NOT be tolerated. “All officers are expected to be firm in enforcing the law while remaining civil, courteous and professional in the discharge of their duties.

“While the operation is intended primarily to promote voluntary compliance and safer road use, serious traffic infractions and other offences discovered during the exercise will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

“The Plateau State Police Command therefore calls on motorists, tricycle operators, motorcyclists and all other road users to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, obey traffic regulations, ensure that their vehicle and driving documents are valid and up to date, and desist from practices that endanger the lives and property of other road users”.

He assures members of the public that OPERATION VELVET is not an avenue for harassment or extortion, but a coordinated enforcement initiative aimed at making Plateau State roads safer, more orderly and conducive for all.