Delta Police Reactivate Operation VELVET, Warn Officers Against Extortion

ASABA, DELTA STATE — The Delta State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the state as part of renewed efforts to strengthen traffic law enforcement, improve road safety, and ensure the free flow of vehicular movement.

The initiative, which follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, will target major traffic violations that endanger road users and disrupt traffic across the state.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation will focus on offences such as reckless and dangerous driving, driving against traffic, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, obstruction of traffic, illegal parking, driving without a valid driver’s licence, and operating unregistered vehicles.

Other offences listed by the command include the use of vehicles without number plates, the use of fake, altered, defaced or concealed number plates, serious overloading, unauthorized use of sirens, and other violations that threaten public safety.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and other operational commanders to ensure the effective implementation of the operation in their respective jurisdictions.

ALSO READ: Tinubu Hails Adeleke’s Re-Election, Says Victory Confirms Nigeria’s Democratic Growth

He emphasized that officers deployed for the exercise must be adequately supervised and must carry out their duties professionally while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of members of the public.

The police commissioner also warned officers against using the operation as a means of extortion, harassment, intimidation, unlawful seizure of vehicles or documents, abuse of office, or any other form of misconduct.

According to the statement, the Inspector-General of Police has made it clear that Operation VELVET must not become an avenue for corrupt practices, while supervising officers have been directed to ensure strict accountability among personnel.

The command warned that any officer found engaging in extortion or other acts of professional misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with existing police regulations and procedures.

The police also urged motorists and other road users to comply with traffic laws and cooperate with officers carrying out their lawful duties.

Residents were equally advised not to offer money or any form of inducement to evade enforcement, as the command reiterated its commitment to implementing the operation with professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.