By Praise Afolabi
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao S. Adewale, has warned traffic officers under his command against unprofessional conduct as he unveiled a new operation tagged “Keep Traffic Flowing” to tackle congestion across Abuja.
Addressing Divisional Traffic Officers, Motor Traffic Police (MOTOPOL), and other traffic operatives at the Command Headquarters on Saturday, August 30, the CP stressed that traffic management reflects the civility and orderliness 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,” Adewale declared.
The police chief expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some officers and cautioned against unethical practices that damage the image of the Nigeria Police. He particularly condemned the actions of traffic officers who jump into vehicles of offenders or attempt to seize steering wheels, describing such behaviour as dangerous, unacceptable, and contrary to policing ethics.
Adewale revealed that his personal inspection of the city during peak hours identified about 30 traffic hotspots—including Wuse, Area 1 Roundabout, Jikwoyi, Karu, Kurudu, AYA, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Galadima, Dawaki, and Kubwa—where officers are now mandated to maintain constant visibility and ensure free flow of vehicles.
He directed all traffic personnel to raise their standards by reporting early to duty posts, maintaining neat appearance, managing rush-hour traffic more effectively, and swiftly clearing obstructions on the roads. He also ordered stricter enforcement against motorists driving against traffic, as well as drivers who engage in indiscriminate picking and dropping of passengers along highways.
As part of Operation Keep Traffic Flowing, the CP announced the establishment of a dedicated surveillance team to monitor traffic officers. He warned that any officer caught violating directives would face arrest and disciplinary action.
“The era of laxity and misconduct is over. Officers must raise their standards, while residents too must obey traffic rules and desist from offering inducements to policemen. These are inappropriate and unlawful acts,” he cautioned.
Adewale assured residents of improved visibility and better traffic control at major intersections across the city. He also encouraged the public to report misconduct or suspicious activities through the FCT Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
