The Delta State Police Command has commenced Operation VELVET across the state to enforce vehicle and traffic regulations, improve road safety and strengthen security.
The exercise began on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in compliance with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The operation targets vehicles without valid documents, unregistered vehicles, vehicles without number plates and those bearing defaced, obscured, altered or deliberately covered number plates.
During the flag-off in Asaba, 10 vehicles were reportedly contravened for traffic violations and taken to the mobile court in the state capital, where they are undergoing judicial processes.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, led the flag-off in Asaba, while the operation simultaneously commenced across all nine Area Commands and police divisions in the state.
Addressing journalists, Erale urged motorists and vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly documented and that approved number plates are clearly displayed.
He also directed police officers deployed for the operation to be firm, civil and professional, warning that extortion, harassment and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated.
The Commissioner solicited the cooperation of motorists and assured residents that the enforcement would be carried out professionally and lawfully, with due regard for the rights and dignity of citizens.
He said the operation was aimed at ensuring proper identification of vehicles, denying criminal elements the use of improperly identified vehicles and strengthening the safety and security of roads across Delta State.