ASABA: More than 50 people have reportedly died in road crashes and other preventable incidents across Delta State between July and the second week of September 2026, prompting the Delta State Police Command to launch a statewide traffic enforcement operation.
The new enforcement drive, tagged Operation Velvet, is targeted at motorists whose actions violate traffic regulations and endanger the lives of other road users.
The operation, which commenced on Tuesday, September 15, is expected to cover major highways and roads across Delta State, with particular attention being paid to motorists who drive against traffic, operate unregistered vehicles or breach other road safety regulations.
The Delta State Police Command said the move became necessary following the alarming number of lives lost in road crashes and other preventable incidents within the period under review
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development while expressing concern over the rising number of deaths recorded across the state.
According to Edafe, more than 50 people reportedly lost their lives between July and the second week of September in road crashes and other preventable or induced incidents.
He said greater caution and responsible behaviour by motorists and other road users could have prevented some of the tragedies.
The police spokesperson therefore urged motorists to take road safety seriously and comply with traffic regulations designed to protect lives.
One of the major targets of Operation Velvet is driving against traffic, popularly referred to as one-way.
Edafe warned motorists against deliberately driving against the flow of traffic, stressing that anyone caught violating the rule would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police said such driving practices not only violate traffic regulations but also expose motorists, passengers and other road users to serious danger.
The command is expected to deploy officers to major roads and highways across Delta State to identify and apprehend motorists involved in dangerous traffic violations.
The enforcement operation will also focus on vehicles that are not properly registered or do not meet statutory requirements.
Edafe directed vehicle owners and operators to ensure that their vehicles have the necessary registration and comply with all relevant regulations before being put on the road.
He warned that motorists who fail to comply should expect enforcement action.
There will be no mercy for anyone caught, the police spokesperson warned.
According to the police, Operation Velvet will be implemented across highways and major roads throughout Delta State.
Police officers involved in the operation have been directed to enforce traffic regulations without fear or favour, particularly against violations capable of causing crashes and loss of lives.
The command said the operation is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding motorists but is aimed at protecting lives, improving road safety and restoring discipline on Delta roads.
The Delta State Police Command has also appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with officers during the enforcement exercise.
Drivers are expected to obey traffic signs, avoid reckless driving and ensure their vehicles meet all statutory requirements before using public roads.
The command stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility and that reducing the number of crashes in Delta State requires cooperation from motorists, transport operators, pedestrians and other road users.
With Operation Velvet now underway, the police have warned that motorists who disregard traffic laws or engage in dangerous driving practices will face the consequences.
The enforcement campaign is expected to continue across the state as the Delta Police Command seeks to curb reckless driving and prevent further avoidable deaths on the state’s roads.
