Police to crack down on traffic violations in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas as part of intensified efforts to enforce traffic regulations, improve road safety and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement on major highways.

The operation, directed by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, targets traffic violations that endanger motorists and other road users, as well as those that create security vulnerabilities along major transit corridors.

According to the command in a statement posted on X on Thursday, the enforcement will target one-way driving, reckless and dangerous driving, unauthorised use of emergency sirens, and vehicles with missing, altered or covered registration plates.

Other offences targeted include driving without a valid licence, vehicular overloading and indiscriminate parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of operational units to ensure effective implementation of the exercise across their respective areas.

Ojajuni also ordered that all personnel deployed for the operation be properly briefed and closely supervised to ensure that enforcement is carried out professionally and with respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.

The commissioner warned officers against using the operation as an opportunity for misconduct.

“Operation VELVET must never serve as a pretext for extortion, illegal detention, harassment, or unauthorised impoundment of vehicles and documents,” Ojajuni warned.

He said officers found engaging in bribery, intimidation or other forms of professional misconduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with existing police regulations.

“Any officer caught engaging in bribery, intimidation, or professional misconduct will face immediate disciplinary action under extant Police Regulations,” he said.

The command also warned supervisory officers that they would be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command.

It urged motorists, fleet operators and transport workers to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with officers carrying out the enforcement.

The police also advised members of the public against offering bribes or other inducements to officers in an attempt to evade sanctions.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babasuyi, said the command remained committed to implementing the operation professionally while seeking the cooperation of residents in promoting safer roads across Ogun State.

The reactivation of Operation VELVET comes as the police command steps up traffic enforcement statewide, with particular attention to major highways and transit corridors across the Gateway State.