The Delta State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement operation, codenamed Operation VELVET, to strengthen compliance with vehicle and traffic regulations, improve road safety and enhance security across the state.
The exercise, which began on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, follows a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and is being implemented across all nine Area Commands and police divisions in Delta State.
In Asaba, the flag-off was led by the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, who supervised the commencement of the operation.
During the initial enforcement exercise in the state capital, 10 vehicles were sanctioned for traffic violations and taken before the mobile court in Asaba, where they are currently undergoing judicial proceedings.
Operation VELVET is targeting vehicles without valid documentation, unregistered vehicles, those without number plates, as well as vehicles with defaced, obscured, altered or deliberately covered number plates.
Addressing journalists during the flag-off, CP Erale urged motorists and vehicle owners across the state to ensure that their vehicles are properly documented and that approved number plates are clearly displayed.
The Commissioner also directed police officers deployed for the operation to conduct the exercise with firmness, civility and professionalism, warning that extortion, harassment and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated.
He appealed to motorists to cooperate with the police, assuring residents that the enforcement would be carried out within the law and with due regard for the rights and dignity of citizens.
According to him, the operation is intended not only to enforce traffic regulations but also to improve vehicle identification and make it more difficult for criminal elements to operate using improperly identified vehicles.
The Delta Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening road safety, improving security and ensuring safer roads for motorists and other road users across the state.
