Musa Na Allah, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command has declared a renewed crackdown on motorists violating traffic laws and announced the reactivation of Operation Velvet, warning that offenders will face decisive enforcement beginning Thursday, 13 August 2026.
The Command said the operation was being revived as part of efforts to strengthen road safety, restore discipline among road users and prevent reckless practices capable of causing avoidable deaths, injuries and traffic congestion across Sokoto metropolis and other parts of the state.
At the centre of the renewed enforcement is a stern warning against one way driving, which the police described as a dangerous and illegal practice that poses serious threats to motorists, passengers and pedestrians.
The Command warned that motorists caught driving against oncoming traffic face appropriate sanctions, stressing that such violations would no longer be tolerated.
The police will also intensify checks on vehicles with tinted glasses, insisting that motorists using tinted glass must possess valid permits issued by the appropriate authorities.
Vehicles found operating without the required tinted glass authorisation will be sanctioned in accordance with applicable regulations.
The Command further warned owners of unregistered or improperly registered vehicles that such vehicles risk being impounded if found plying Sokoto roads during the enforcement exercise.
Another major target of Operation Velvet will be the use of fake, forged or unauthorised number plates.
The police described the practice as a serious offence capable of frustrating vehicle identification and security operations.
Vehicles bearing counterfeit number plates are liable to immediate confiscation, while their owners or users may face prosecution under the law.
The Command also warned motorists against covering, bending, tinting over or otherwise obscuring their number plates, insisting that every vehicle’s registration number must remain clearly visible and legible.
Other offences to attract strict enforcement include reckless driving, overloading, disobedience to traffic signals and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, however, directed officers deployed for the exercise to conduct themselves with professionalism, civility and restraint, while respecting the fundamental rights and dignity of citizens.
The Commissioner equally warned police personnel against extortion, harassment, intimidation or any form of misconduct, declaring that officers found abusing the exercise would face severe disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.
He urged motorists to regularise their documents before August 13 and called on members of the public to report alleged misconduct or rights violations through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit on 08032861946 and 09033002739.
