The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, on Monday June 22, 2026, carried out an inspection tour across the state to enforce compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, banning roadblocks, extortion of motorists, and improper dressing by officers on duty.
Addressing journalists at the Imo-River boundary, CP Adepoju explained that the exercise was intended to ensure that officers stationed on highways were neatly dressed, properly identified with name tags, and maintained professionalism in their interactions with the public.
“We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed with their name tags displayed, and are not extorting members of the public,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that such routine inspections are a key responsibility of police leadership to ensure officers perform their duties in line with established standards.
He cautioned that any officer found improperly dressed, without a name tag, or mounting illegal roadblocks that disrupt traffic would face disciplinary measures.
“Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed on their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters,” he stated.
CP Adepoju further stressed that the monitoring exercise would be sustained, adding that commanders and departmental heads had been mandated to consistently supervise officers under their jurisdiction.
He observed a noticeable reduction in checkpoints along the Imo boundary and revealed that the few illegal roadblocks identified during the tour were promptly removed.
“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic. So far, compliance has been encouraging, and with sustained monitoring, things will get even better,” he added.
The police commissioner also called on members of the public to cooperate with officers on duty, emphasising that their presence on the roads is primarily for public safety.
“I advise members of the public to understand that the police are on the roads for their safety. Whenever officers flag them down, they should cooperate with them.
If anyone encounters an officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them, they should report such conduct through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.
It was gathered that the inspection covered police checkpoints along the East–West Road corridor across Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
The Commissioner was accompanied on the tour by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), the Assistant Commissioner of Police overseeing Operations, commanders of the Mobile Police Squadrons, heads of tactical units, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).