Operation VELVET – The Trumpet Newspaper Nigeria

The Delta State Police Command has ractivated ‘Operation VELVET’ in a renewed attempt at tightening compliance with traffic laws, improve road safety, and keep vehicles moving freely throughout the state.

In a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the police explained that the operation will target serious traffic offences.

The command disclosed that police officers will focus on reckless and dangerous driving, driving against the flow of traffic, excessive speeding, risky overtaking, obstructing traffic, illegal parking, driving without a valid licence or other required documents, and operating unregistered vehicles or those without number plates.

Other offences include the use of fake, altered, defaced or hidden number plates, serious overloading, unauthorised use of sirens, and any other breaches that endanger road users or hinder free movement.

The statement said the state Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, has instructed area commanders, divisional police officers and other operational heads to implement the operation effectively in their areas of responsibility.

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It said police officers assigned to the exercise must be properly briefed and supervised, while enforcement is to be carried out firmly and lawfully, with full respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of members of the public.

The commissioner of police, however, restated that ‘Operation VELVET’ must not become a tool for extortion, harassment, intimidation, unlawful seizure of vehicles or documents, abuse of office, or any other professional misconduct.

The statement added that supervising officers have been tasked with ensuring strict accountability.

“Any officer found engaging in extortion, corruption or other improper conduct will face appropriate disciplinary measures under existing police regulations and procedures.

The command therefore appealed to motorists and other road users to obey traffic laws and regulations and to cooperate with officers performing their lawful duties.

Also, it advised members of the public against offering money or other inducements to police officers in an attempt to avoid enforcement.

The command assured residents that ‘Operation VELVET’ will be conducted with professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law.