Police relaunch Operation Velvet to enforce road safety, traffic regulations in Benue

The Benue State Police Command has revived Operation Velvet to ensure adherence to traffic regulations and dismantle the supply chains of criminal organizations utilizing unregistered vehicles, as directed by IGP Tunji Disu. A statement issued by DSP Orchia Aondogwu, the spokesman of the command, revealed that the initiative aims to enhance road safety, decrease traffic collisions and congestion, and encourage responsible vehicle usage throughout the state.

Aondogwu emphasized that the operation would ensure compliance with traffic laws among motorists, tricycle operators, motorcyclists, and other road users. Key aspects of the enforcement include adhering to traffic signs, one-way restrictions, and speed limits; preventing overloading; and verifying the possession of valid vehicle documents, such as roadworthiness certificates.

Furthermore, the command would scrutinize valid driver's licenses, proper vehicle registration, covered or obscured number plates, and verify that plate number details align with vehicle documents.

Unauthorised tinted glass and other violations would also be addressed per the law, while using extortion, harassment, and intimidation of road users is strictly prohibited. Aondogwu stated that officers were instructed to enforce the law firmly and professionally at all times. He noted that the objective of Operation Velvet is to promote compliance with road-use regulations and ensure safer roads, with serious traffic or criminal offenders facing prosecution.

The command reiterated that Operation Velvet is a safety and enforcement initiative, not a platform for harassment or extortion, and remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering safer roads across Benue State.