Delta Police Launches Statewide “Operation VELVET” to Crack Down on Traffic Violations
The Delta State Police Command has launched a statewide enforcement drive, Operation VELVET, targeting vehicles without valid documents, unregistered cars, and those with missing, defaced, or obscured number plates.
The operation began on 15 September 2026, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, personally leading the flag-off in Asaba, while simultaneous exercises kicked off across all nine Area Commands and police divisions in the state.
According to the command’s to a press statement signed by SP. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Operation VELVET is being carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and is designed to strengthen compliance with vehicle and traffic regulations, Improve road safety, Enhance overall security by denying criminal elements the use of improperly identified vehicles
Edafe disclosed that the focus is on vehicles that
lack valid registration or documentation, have no number plates, bear number plates that are defaced, obscured, altered, or deliberately covered. He further stated that on the first day of the operation in the Asaba metropolis, police recorded 10 traffic violations. The contravening vehicles were taken to a mobile court in Asaba and were already undergoing judicial processes as of the time of the press release.
Speaking to journalists after the flag-off, CP Erale urged motorists and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly documented and that approved number plates are clearly displayed. He also gave a stern warning to officers deployed for the exercise, directing them to be:Firm, Civil, and Professional.
The CP stated that extortion, harassment, or any form of misconduct by officers would not be tolerated. He appealed for the cooperation of motorists, assuring the public that enforcement would be conducted professionally, lawfully, and with due regard for citizens’ rights and dignity. The command reaffirmed its determination to ensure proper identification of vehicles and to strengthen the safety and security of roads across Delta State.