Road Crashes Claim Over 50 Lives in 10 Weeks as Delta Police Launch ‘Operation Velvet’, by Faith Ogbotor

The Delta State Police Command has announced the commencement of full enforcement under Operation Velvet across the state starting Tuesday, September 15.

The operation targets unregistered vehicles, defaced or covered license plates, reckless driving, and driving against traffic (one-way driving).

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, issued the warning in a video message posted on his official X account.

He stated that the two-week grace period granted to motorists to regularize their documentation has now elapsed and full enforcement will follow an official launch by Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale.

Disclosing the urgency behind the enforcement, SP Edafe revealed that over 50 people lost their lives in road accidents across Delta State between July and the second week of September.

He described many of these fatalities as avoidable and largely driven by dangerous traffic violations.

“Operation Velvet encompasses a lot which includes ensuring that all vehicles on our highways and on our roads are duly registered.

We are also going on an operation that will help us to reduce reckless driving,” Edafe said.

Demonstrating targeted violations, the PPRO highlighted instances where vehicles possessed valid registration but intentionally covered or obscured their plates, clarifying that valid registration will not shield motorists from prosecution if plates are hidden.

Beyond road safety, the police command stressed the security risks posed by unregistered vehicles, noting that such automobiles are frequently used in criminal activities or thefts, making them difficult for law enforcement to track.

“We cannot continue to have vehicles flying our highways unregistered. It is dangerous. If such vehicles are used to commit crime, it will be difficult to trace. Even for your own good, if such vehicles are stolen, it is also very, very difficult to trace,” Edafe added.

Motorists across Delta State are urged to ensure proper vehicle registration and clear plate visibility before enforcement personnel deploy state-wide on Tuesday.