The Kebbi State Police Command has announced the reactivation of Operation Velvet, a statewide traffic enforcement initiative aimed at improving road safety, strengthening compliance with traffic regulations and supporting broader security efforts across the state.
According to the command, the operation will officially begin on Friday, August 14, 2026, with officers deployed to monitor and enforce traffic laws while targeting vehicle-related violations that authorities say could also pose security risks.
Police officials said the renewed exercise forms part of a wider strategy to enhance public safety by addressing both road traffic offences and practices that could enable criminal activities.
Traffic violations to receive increased attention
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the command outlined several offences that will be prioritised during the enforcement exercise.
The operation will focus on violations involving:
- Tinted-glass permit compliance.
- One-way driving offences.
- Vehicle registration irregularities.
- Fake or obscured number plates.
- Other traffic-related violations.
The command said officers would carry out checks across different parts of the state as part of efforts to improve compliance with existing road traffic regulations.
Authorities believe stricter enforcement could help reduce dangerous driving practices while making it easier to identify vehicles used for unlawful activities.
Police link traffic enforcement to security
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police Umar M. Hadejia said the operation is intended to complement ongoing security measures already being implemented across the state.
According to the commissioner, improperly registered vehicles, fake number plates and obscured registration details can make it more difficult for security agencies to trace vehicles involved in criminal activities.
He warned that such practices could provide opportunities for criminals to avoid detection.
By strengthening vehicle verification and traffic enforcement, the command says it hopes to improve both road safety and crime prevention.
The renewed operation therefore combines traditional traffic policing with broader security objectives.
Officers warned against misconduct
While announcing the exercise, the police leadership also issued clear instructions to officers participating in the operation.
The command directed personnel to conduct themselves professionally and respect the rights of motorists and other road users throughout the enforcement process.
Authorities specifically warned against misconduct, including extortion, harassment and other forms of abuse.
The police said officers found violating professional standards during Operation Velvet would face disciplinary action.
The warning appears aimed at encouraging public confidence as the operation begins, particularly in situations where road users interact directly with enforcement officers.
Motorists urged to comply
Ahead of the launch of the operation, the command advised vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles meet all legal requirements.
Motorists were encouraged to verify that their vehicle registration documents are up to date, display proper number plates and comply with regulations governing tinted windows and other vehicle requirements.
The police also reminded road users to obey traffic rules, including restrictions on one-way driving, as enforcement activities increase across the state.
Officials said voluntary compliance would help reduce unnecessary disruptions during the exercise.
Public encouraged to report concerns
The Kebbi State Police Command also called on residents to support the operation by reporting suspicious activities and any inappropriate conduct by police personnel.
Members of the public were encouraged to report cases of extortion, harassment or other unprofessional behaviour through the appropriate complaint channels.
The command said public cooperation remains important to ensuring that Operation Velvet achieves its objectives while maintaining accountability during enforcement activities.
Why Operation Velvet matters
The reactivation of Operation Velvet reflects the growing emphasis many police commands place on integrating traffic enforcement with wider security efforts.
Vehicle documentation, registration compliance and clearly visible number plates play an important role in helping law enforcement identify vehicles during investigations and routine patrols.
At the same time, traffic enforcement can contribute to reducing accidents by encouraging greater compliance with road safety regulations.
For Kebbi State, the renewed operation represents an attempt to strengthen both public safety and law enforcement effectiveness through closer monitoring of vehicles on the state’s roads.
Enforcement begins August 14
With the operation scheduled to commence on Friday, August 14, motorists across Kebbi are expected to encounter increased traffic checks and enforcement activities.
The police have maintained that the exercise will be carried out professionally while respecting the rights of road users, even as they insist that officers will take action against violations that undermine road safety or create security concerns.
As Operation Velvet resumes, the command says its priority is to create safer roads, improve compliance with traffic laws and support broader efforts to maintain security throughout Kebbi State.
