Boko Haram: Security operatives begin search of vehicles in Abuja today

AS part of its crime prevention and control strategies to keep the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja  safe and secure from the Boko Haram menace, the FCT Police Command will today embark on “Operation Velvet” aimed at ensuring sanity on the roads and preventing further bombing in Abuja
The FCT Commissioner of Police,  Mike Zuokumor, who disclosed this, said  that the exercise was aimed at curbing the excesses of reckless driving, unlawful use of siren, revolving lights, indiscriminate use of unregistered vehicles and vehicles with expired documents and covered registration number plates and influx of unwanted persons and security threats to the FCT.
He announced that the ministerial ban on the use of commercial tricycles and motorcycles in prohibited areas and misuse of public highways by drivers and other road users would be strictly enforced.
The commissioner noted that the command, in collaboration with the Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), would be involved in the operation.
According to him, the operation would take effect from today, stressing that the enforcement agencies would arrest defaulters for proper prosecution and impound their vehicles.
The commissioner warned drivers and other road users to update their vehicle documents before the commencement of the exercise, pointing out that they would ask for driving licence, vehicle licence, road worthiness, number plate, insurance certificate, vehicle condition, sticker number, among others.
Zuokomor maintained that the essence of the exercise was not a witch-hunt  but to ensure sanity on the roads, adding that nobody would be exempted from this operation, no matter how highly placed in the society.
“Nobody is exempted from this operation. It includes top government functionaries, VIPs and uniformed men. Everybody is expected to be with their vehicle documents and cooperate with the enforcement agencies. The essence of the operation is not to punish anybody but to ensure sanity on the roads,” he stated.

Source:  Nigerian Tribune