The Ogun State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the state’s 20 local government areas to strengthen traffic enforcement, improve road safety and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles on major highways.
The operation, directed by Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is aimed at tackling traffic offences that pose risks to motorists and other road users, while also addressing activities that could create security vulnerabilities along major transit corridors.
The command announced the development in a statement posted on X on Thursday.
Among the offences targeted under the renewed operation are driving against traffic, reckless and dangerous driving, unauthorised use of emergency sirens, and the use of vehicles with missing, altered or covered registration plates.
Police personnel will also enforce regulations against driving without valid licences, vehicular overloading and indiscriminate parking that obstructs traffic flow.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of operational units to ensure effective implementation of the exercise within their respective jurisdictions.
Ojajuni further ordered that officers deployed for the operation must receive proper briefings and remain under close supervision to ensure that enforcement is conducted professionally and in accordance with citizens’ fundamental rights.
The commissioner specifically warned police personnel against exploiting the operation for misconduct, including extortion, harassment and unlawful detention.
“Operation VELVET must never serve as a pretext for extortion, illegal detention, harassment, or unauthorised impoundment of vehicles and documents,” Ojajuni warned.
He added that officers found engaging in bribery, intimidation or other forms of professional misconduct would face disciplinary measures under existing police regulations.
“Any officer caught engaging in bribery, intimidation, or professional misconduct will face immediate disciplinary action under extant Police Regulations,” he said.
The command also warned supervisory officers that they would be held responsible for the conduct of personnel under their command.
Motorists, fleet operators and transport workers were urged to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with police officers carrying out the enforcement exercise.
The police, however, cautioned members of the public against offering bribes or other inducements to officers in an attempt to avoid sanctions for traffic violations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oluseyi Babasuyi, said the command remained committed to implementing Operation VELVET professionally while seeking the cooperation of residents in making roads across Ogun safer.
The statewide enforcement comes as the police intensify attention on major highways and transit corridors across Ogun State, popularly known as the Gateway State.
