The police have arrested 17 drivers over an alleged offence of contrevening traffic laws in Jigawa State.
The state’s Command held that the enforcement were handed out on the suspects on the use of covered number plates, illegal window tinting and carrying passengers or goods beyond approved limits.
A statement released last night disclosed that the arrests were made within Dutse Local Government Area yesterday, marking the first phase of Operation Velvet, a police initiative designed to tackle dangerous driving and other road-related offences.
According to the statement, which was released by the command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Adam, the enforcement exercise is intended to prevent avoidable crashes and encourage motorists to comply with established road safety regulations.
“This operation is not aimed at harassing responsible motorists. It is focused on stopping practices that endanger drivers, passengers and other road users,” Adam said in the statement.
He added that the 17 suspects had been processed for court proceedings, warning that motorists who violate traffic regulations would be subjected to the appropriate legal process.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, also urged commercial drivers, private motorists, tricycle operators and motorcycle riders to observe speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly and exercise caution while using the roads.
Murtala said reckless driving and other unsafe practices could result in loss of life and destruction of property, stressing that preventing such incidents requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.
He further called on residents to provide the police with credible information about dangerous traffic practices so that officers could respond promptly.
The command said Operation Velvet would be extended to other major towns and cities in Jigawa State, signalling a broader enforcement of traffic regulations beyond the initial operation in Dutse.
Consequently, the Police command advised motorists to comply with traffic laws and adopt safer driving habits as the operation continues across the state.