The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a stern warning to motorists and road users, urging them to cease driving against traffic, a practice locally referred to as "one-way," and to stop attempting to secure their release by name-dropping senior police officers or government officials. The directive was communicated in a statement released on Monday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.
The statement highlighted growing concern over the increasing disregard for traffic regulations, particularly around road construction sites, diversion points, and areas with restricted traffic movement. The Command noted that some motorists deliberately bypass diversions and ignore road signs in an effort to evade congestion, a behavior the authorities described as dangerous and unacceptable.
SP Adeh emphasized that no individual, regardless of their status, position, or connections, will be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic laws. The Command explicitly warned that calls to senior police officers, government officials, or other influential personalities will not exonerate offenders or facilitate their release when apprehended for traffic violations.
“No individual, regardless of status, position or connections, will be exempted from the consequences of violating traffic regulations,” the statement reads.
In response to these challenges, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi has issued a directive to the Command’s Motor Traffic Department (MOTOPOL) and all Divisional Traffic Officers (DTOs). They are instructed to collaborate closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant traffic management agencies to intensify enforcement operations. The goal is to ensure the arrest and immediate prosecution of any motorist found driving against traffic or disobeying lawful traffic directions.
The Commissioner also issued a warning to enforcement officers, instructing them to refrain from exploiting these operations to extort road users. He stated that any such actions would be dealt with in accordance with extant Police Rules and Regulations. The FCT Police Command urged residents to exercise patience and obey traffic instructions, reminding them that the few minutes saved through reckless driving are not worth the risk of loss of life or property damage.
The Command further advised the public to remain security-conscious and to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
