The Benue State Police Command has relaunched Operation Velvet to strengthen traffic law enforcement and disrupt the logistics networks of criminal syndicates using unregistered vehicles.

The operation follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Aondogwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the exercise is aimed at improving road safety, reducing traffic incidents and congestion, and promoting responsible road use across the state.

According to him, the operation will target motorists, tricycle operators, motorcyclists and other road users who violate traffic regulations.

Areas of focus include compliance with traffic signs, one-way restrictions and speed limits, prevention of overloading, and possession of valid vehicle documents, including roadworthiness certificates.

The police will also verify drivers’ licences, vehicle registration documents and number plates, particularly cases involving covered or obscured plates and discrepancies between plate numbers and vehicle records.

Aondogwu added that the use of unauthorised tinted glass and other traffic violations would also be addressed in accordance with the law.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C. Nwadiogbu, had directed officers involved in the operation to carry out their duties professionally, respect human rights and maintain appropriate engagement with members of the public.

The command also warned that extortion, harassment and intimidation of road users would not be tolerated, stressing that officers must enforce the law firmly while maintaining professionalism.

Aondogwu said effective traffic management would form an important part of the exercise, adding that offenders involved in serious traffic or criminal violations would be prosecuted.

He urged motorists and other road users to obey traffic regulations and ensure that all required vehicle and driving documents remain valid and up to date.

The command reiterated that Operation Velvet is intended as a safety and enforcement initiative rather than a platform for harassment or extortion, and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safer roads across Benue State.