Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement exercise, codenamed Operation Velvet, aimed at tightening compliance with vehicle and traffic regulations and improving road safety across the state.
The operation, which kicked off on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, is being carried out in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to a press release signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the exercise is targeting vehicles without valid documents, unregistered vehicles, vehicles without number plates, and those bearing defaced, obscured, altered or deliberately covered number plates.
In the state capital, ten vehicles were contravened for traffic violations and subsequently taken to the mobile court in Asaba, where they are currently undergoing judicial processes.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, led the flag-off ceremony in Asaba, while the exercise commenced simultaneously across all nine Area Commands and police divisions in the state.
Addressing journalists at the flag-off, the CP urged motorists and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly documented and that approved number plates are clearly displayed.
He charged officers deployed for the operation to remain firm, civil and professional, warning that extortion, harassment or any form of misconduct would not be tolerated.
The CP further solicited the cooperation of motorists, assuring the public that enforcement would be conducted professionally, lawfully and with due regard for the rights and dignity of citizens.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to ensure proper identification of vehicles, deny criminal elements the use of improperly identified vehicles, and strengthen the safety and security of roads across Delta State.
