Police to begin traffic crackdown on one-way driving, others in Sokoto

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The Sokoto State Police Command has announced the reactivation of Operation Velvet, a traffic enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and curbing dangerous driving practices across the state.

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The command said the operation would officially commence on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with motorists and other road users expected to comply with all relevant traffic laws.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Shaffa, the command said the exercise would focus on offences including driving against traffic, popularly known as “one-way”; operating vehicles without proper registration; using fake number plates; and using covered or obscured number plates.

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The command warned that vehicles found operating without valid registration or using counterfeit number plates would be impounded, while offenders would face prosecution.

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According to the statement, “The dangerous and illegal act of driving against oncoming traffic, popularly known as ‘One-Way,’ will be met with decisive action,” stressing that the offence remained a major cause of fatal accidents and traffic congestion.

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The police also directed motorists using tinted vehicles to obtain valid tinted glass permits, warning that vehicles without the required authorisation would be sanctioned.

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CP Shaffa said personnel deployed for the operation had been instructed to carry out their duties with professionalism, civility and restraint while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens.

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The commissioner, however, warned police personnel against misconduct, saying, “Acts of extortion, harassment, intimidation, or any form of misconduct by personnel will not be tolerated and will be met with severe disciplinary action, including prosecution where warranted.”

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The command urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were properly registered, remove all coverings or obstructions from number plates, obtain valid tinted glass permits where applicable and strictly observe traffic rules.

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It further appealed to members of the public to report cases of police misconduct or rights violations, or seek clarification through the command’s Complaint Response Unit on 08032861946 and 09033002739.

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