Ogun Police reactivate Operation Velvet, begin statewide traffic crackdown

By Adebola Muili

The Ogun State Police Command has reactivated Operation VELVET across the 20 local government areas of the state, with a renewed crackdown on traffic violations capable of endangering road users and disrupting free movement on major highways.

The exercise, which follows a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, is part of renewed intelligence-led measures to enforce traffic regulations, strengthen public safety and prevent criminal activities along major transit corridors.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, August 20, 2026, by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babasuyi.

It said the operation would focus on offences including one-way driving, reckless and dangerous driving, unauthorised use of emergency sirens, and the use of vehicles with missing, altered or covered registration plates.

Other violations targeted under the operation include driving without valid licences, vehicular overloading and indiscriminate parking that obstructs the free flow of traffic across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and heads of operational units to ensure the effective implementation of the exercise.

Ojajuni also ordered that all personnel deployed for the operation be properly briefed and closely supervised to ensure that their duties are carried out firmly, professionally and with full respect for the fundamental rights of citizens.

The Commissioner, however, warned police personnel against turning the exercise into an avenue for extortion, illegal detention, harassment or unauthorised impoundment of vehicles and documents.

“Operation VELVET must never serve as a pretext for extortion, illegal detention, harassment, or unauthorized impoundment of vehicles and documents,” the statement quoted Ojajuni as warning.

He further warned that any officer found engaging in bribery, intimidation or other forms of professional misconduct would face immediate disciplinary action in line with extant Police Regulations.

The Command also said supervisory officers would be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their watch.

It urged motorists, fleet operators and transit workers across Ogun State to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with police officers deployed for the exercise.

Members of the public were equally advised not to offer bribes or other inducements to officers in an attempt to evade lawful sanctions.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to conducting Operation VELVET with professionalism and called for the continued cooperation of residents towards achieving safer roads across the Gateway State.