The Rivers State Police Command has announced the commencement of strict enforcement of traffic laws across the state under Operation Velvet, beginning August 17, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a statement signed by ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command on Tuesday, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.
According to the statement, the operation is being implemented in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, amid growing disregard for traffic regulations across the state.
The command said violations of traffic laws had contributed to traffic gridlocks, obstruction of roadways and avoidable risks to the lives of motorists, passengers and other road users.
Adepoju has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to ensure effective enforcement of the operation within their respective areas of responsibility.
Under the exercise, traffic offenders may face sanctions provided for under the law, including arrest, vehicle impoundment and prosecution where necessary.
“Traffic offenders will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law, including arrest, impoundment of vehicles and prosecution where necessary,” the statement stressed.
The commissioner, however, warned police officers deployed for the operation against using the exercise to harass, intimidate or extort members of the public.
He directed officers to conduct the enforcement professionally and responsibly while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of road users.
Adepoju further warned that officers found guilty of extortion, brutality, abuse of office or other forms of misconduct would face strict disciplinary action.
He stressed that officers must carry out their duties “professionally, responsibly, and in full compliance with the law while respecting the fundamental human rights and dignity of all members of the public.”
The command urged motorists, commercial drivers, tricycle operators, motorcyclists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with police personnel during the exercise.
It also advised road users to avoid actions capable of obstructing traffic or putting other people’s lives at risk.
The police said members of the public can report traffic-related emergencies, human rights violations, extortion, police misconduct and other incidents requiring urgent intervention through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit.
The command provided the following contacts for members of the public to report concerns: 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987 and 07072323049. The Police Control Room can also be reached on 08032003514.
The Rivers State Police Command said the operation is aimed at improving road safety, easing traffic movement and strengthening effective policing across the state.
The Command also assured residents that the enforcement would be carried out in accordance with the law, while warning that any officer who violates the rules governing the operation would be held accountable.
Adepoju said officers found guilty of “extortion, brutality, misconduct or abuse of office” would face strict disciplinary action.
The Command concluded by urging residents to cooperate with the enforcement exercise.