The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has led the enforcement of Operation Velvet across the state, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Adepoju, alongside members of the command’s management team, on Tuesday August 18, 2026, visited the popular Emenike Bus Stop along Ikwerre Road, Port Harcourt, and other major bus stops to monitor compliance with traffic regulations.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, the Commissioner said the operation was designed to ensure strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations by motorists.
He said, “Operation Velvet is to ensure that all drivers comply with all regulations and directives concerning the use of vehicles on the road, particularly traffic regulations. You will discover that we have been having gridlocks and accidents due to disobedience to traffic rules and regulations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directed that we commence Operation Velvet, under which all vehicles must strictly comply with traffic regulations.
We will ensure that motorists comply with all traffic rules and regulations. We will enforce the observance of traffic signs to prevent motorists from causing gridlocks and blocking roads.
We will enforce all necessary traffic regulations to ensure that we reduce accidents, allow people to move freely on the roads and maintain order.
We are equally making sure that all vehicle documents are valid and properly registered.”
Earlier, while addressing traffic officers enforcing the operation, CP Adepoju urged them to discharge their duties diligently and professionally.
The Commissioner warned the officers against turning the exercise into an avenue for extortion, stressing that the command would not tolerate any form of misconduct.
He also called on members of the public to report any misconduct by police officers through the telephone numbers circulated by the command.
Adepoju said, “I am informing members of the public to use the numbers that have been circulated to report any misconduct by any police officer to the police authorities, and appropriate action will be taken accordingly.”
The enforcement of Operation Velvet is expected to strengthen compliance with traffic regulations, reduce road accidents and gridlocks, and promote the free movement of motorists and commuters across Rivers State.
