By Adejoke Adeleye
The Ogun State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the state’s 20 local government areas following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The operation forms part of renewed intelligence-led measures aimed at enforcing traffic regulations, improving public safety on major highways and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic across the state.
The exercise will target traffic offences that endanger road users and create opportunities for criminal activities along major transit corridors. Areas of focus include driving against traffic, reckless and dangerous driving, the unauthorised use of emergency sirens, and the use of vehicles with missing, altered or concealed registration plates.
The operation will also target unlicensed drivers, vehicle overloading and indiscriminate parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic.
In line with the directive, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and heads of operational units to ensure effective implementation across their respective commands.
Ojajuni ordered that all personnel deployed for the operation must be properly briefed and closely supervised to ensure that their duties are carried out firmly, ethically and with full respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.
Reaffirming the Inspector-General of Police’s position on police integrity, the commissioner warned that Operation VELVET must not be used as a pretext for extortion, unlawful detention, harassment or the unauthorised impoundment of vehicles and documents.
He said supervisory officers would be held accountable for the conduct of their subordinates, while any officer found engaging in bribery, intimidation or other forms of professional misconduct would face immediate disciplinary action in accordance with extant Police Regulations.
The Command urged motorists, fleet operators and transit workers across Ogun State to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate fully with police officers on duty. Members of the public were also advised against offering bribes or other inducements to evade sanctions.
The Ogun State Police Command said it remains committed to implementing Operation VELVET with the highest level of professionalism and appealed for the continued cooperation of residents in its efforts to make roads across the Gateway State safer.
