Imo Police Reintroduces "Operation Velvet" To Strengthen Traffic Law Enforcement -

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Imo Police Reintroduces “Operation Velvet” To Strengthen Traffic Law Enforcement

Commercial and private drivers in Imo State need to brace on traffic regulations to avoid default by police authorities in Imo, reports Trumpeta newspapers.

This coming dispensation was revealed through a statement by the Imo State Police Command.

According to a statement from the Public Relations Department of the Imo State Police Command signed by the Officer in Charge, Henry Okoye, the reactivation of the Operation Velvet is in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police warning that harassment and extortion shall not be tolerated.

The police statement available to Trumpeta states;

“the Imo State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the State, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+). The operation is aimed at strengthening traffic law enforcement, promoting road safety, ensuring compliance with extant traffic laws and regulations, and facilitating the free flow of vehicular movement across the State.

“The operation will focus on serious traffic violations, including reckless and dangerous driving, driving against traffic (one-way), excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, obstruction of traffic, illegal parking, driving without valid licences or required documents, use of unregistered vehicles or vehicles without number plates, fake, altered or concealed number plates, serious overloading, unauthorised use of sirens and other offences capable of endangering road users.

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, PSC(+), mnips, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, the State Traffic Officer and other operational commanders to prepare and implement appropriate Operation Orders for the exercise. He further directed that all personnel deployed must be properly briefed and adequately supervised to ensure that the operation is conducted professionally, lawfully and with due regard for the rights and dignity of members of the public.

“The CP has warned that Operation VELVET must not be turned into an avenue for extortion, harassment, intimidation, abuse of office or any form of professional misconduct. Any police personnel found engaging in extortion, unlawful demands, corrupt practices or other acts of misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant Police Regulations and procedures.

“The Command therefore urges motorists and other road users to strictly comply with traffic laws and regulations and cooperate with police personnel during the exercise. Members of the public are equally cautioned against offering money or other inducements to evade lawful enforcement, and are encouraged to report any incident of extortion, harassment or misconduct by police personnel through the appropriate channels.

“The Imo State Police Command assures members of the public that Operation VELVET will be implemented with professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law. The Command solicits the cooperation of all road users and remains committed to safer roads, effective traffic management and the free flow of traffic across Imo State.”