By Samuel Olusegun Precious
The Rivers State Police Command has launched an enforcement operation on federal highways to end illegal roadblocks and extortion, in compliance with a directive from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu. Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, led senior officers on an unscheduled inspection of the East-West Road on Tuesday.
Several officers found mounting roadblocks and allegedly extorting commercial and private drivers were reprimanded, with some arrested for acts of indiscipline.
“We’re going around the road to ensure compliance to the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Tunji Rilwan Disu that they’re not extorting the drivers… to check on our men who are on the roads,” CP Adepoju said.
He ordered officers to be properly dressed with name and number tags displayed at all times. According to him, the names and service numbers of defaulting officers have been recorded and will be forwarded to their commanders for disciplinary action at the command headquarters.
“They must be fully dressed with their names and number tags fully displayed on their chest. This exercise is a continuous process until the directive is fully adhered to… some of these men on the road are undisciplined in the way they dress and continue to block the road,” he added.
CP Adepoju directed officers to stop blocking roads and instead position themselves to allow free traffic flow. He specifically ordered the dismantling of the roadblock at Choba, instructing officers to remain in their patrol vehicles.
“The police are on the road for the safety of the public, so anytime they’re flagged down on the road, they should comply,” the CP stated, noting that the operation will extend to other highways in the state.The Command said the crackdown will continue until full compliance with the IGP’s directive is achieved.
