In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command has commenced an immediate and strict enforcement of OPERATION VELVET, aimed at ensuring compliance with all existing traffic laws and regulations across the State.
According to a press statement dated Tuesday August 11, 2026 and signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, the enforcement exercise OPERATION VELVET will commence on 17th August, 2026, following the growing disregard for traffic rules, resulting in gridlocks, obstruction of traffic flow and avoidable risks to the lives of road users.
Agabe stated that the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance and effective enforcement of OPERATION VELVET within their respective areas of responsibility.
The statement also revealed that traffic offenders will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law, including arrest, impoundment of vehicles and prosecution where necessary.
The Commissioner of Police however issued a stern warning to all officers deployed for OPERATION VELVET to strictly avoid any form of extortion, harassment, intimidation, abuse of office, or other unprofessional conduct during the enforcement exercise. He stressed that officers must carry out their duties professionally, responsibly, and in full compliance with the law while respecting the fundamental human rights and dignity of all members of the public.
Adepoju further cautioned that any officer found guilty of extortion, brutality, misconduct or abuse of office will face strict disciplinary action.
The Commissioner urges motorists, commercial drivers, tricycle operators, motorcyclists and other road users to obey traffic laws, cooperate with police personnel and desist from acts capable of causing traffic obstruction or endangering lives.
Members of the public are encouraged to promptly report traffic-related emergencies, police concerns, human rights violations, extortion, misconduct or other incidents requiring urgent intervention through the following official lines:
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987 or 07072323049
Police Control Room:
08032003514
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation of OPERATION VELVET, safer roads, free-flowing traffic, effective policing, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.