By Samuel Adeola
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ajao S. Adewale, has cautioned traffic officers against unprofessional conduct and launched a new initiative, Operation Keep Traffic Flowing, aimed at easing congestion across the capital city.
Addressing Divisional Traffic Officers and operatives at the Command Headquarters on Saturday, CP Adewale emphasized that traffic policing reflects the civility of any city.
“Traffic is one of the visible indicators to measure the civility of a city. The traffic officer is the first image of the police in any environment. That is why I insist on professionalism, discipline, and humanity first,” he stated.
The Police Commissioner expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of some operatives, particularly condemning the risky practice of jumping into vehicles or attempting to seize steering wheels from motorists.
After a personal tour of the city, CP Adewale identified over 30 traffic hotspots, including Wuse, Area 1, Jikwoyi, Karu, Kurudu, AYA, Apo, Gudu, and Kubwa.
He ordered consistent police presence in these areas to improve traffic management.
He further directed officers to ensure early presence at duty posts, manage rush-hour traffic effectively, and promptly clear road obstructions.
The Command, he said, would also intensify action against motorists driving against traffic and those picking passengers indiscriminately on highways.
To enforce compliance, a surveillance team has been set up to monitor traffic officers, with erring personnel to be arrested.
“The era of laxity and misconduct is over,” CP Adewale warned, adding that residents must also desist from offering bribes to policemen.
He assured the public of improved traffic control and urged residents to report suspicious activities or misconduct through the FCT Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
