The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ajao S. Adewale, has warned traffic officers under the Command against unprofessional conduct, even as he launched a new operation tagged “Keep Traffic Flowing” to address congestion in Abuja.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ajao S. Adewale, has warned traffic officers under the Command against unprofessional conduct, even as he launched a new operation tagged “Keep Traffic Flowing” to address congestion in Abuja.
Speaking while lecturing all Divisional Traffic Officers, Motor Traffic Police (MOTOPOL) and other traffic operatives at the Command Headquarters on Saturday, 30th August, the CP stressed that traffic policing was not just about road safety but also a key reflection of the civility 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 CP expressed dissatisfaction with the performance level of some officers and warned against unethical behaviours that tarnish the image of the police. He specifically condemned the practice of traffic officers jumping into vehicles of offenders or attempting to seize control of steering wheels, describing such conduct as “dangerous, unacceptable and contrary to the ethics of policing.”
According to him, a personal tour of the city during peak hours revealed at least 30 traffic hotspots—including Wuse, Area 1 Roundabout, Jikwoyi, Karu, Kurudu, AYA, Apo Resettlement, Gudu, Galadima, Dawaki and Kubwa—where officers must now ensure constant visibility to keep traffic flowing.
He directed all traffic personnel to improve on neat turnout, early presence at duty posts, effective management during rush hours, and prompt clearance of obstructions. He also ordered a clampdown on motorists driving against traffic and those engaging in indiscriminate picking and dropping of passengers on highways.
Unveiling Operation “Keep Traffic Flowing”, the CP announced the creation of a surveillance team to monitor traffic officers, warning that any personnel found violating directives would be arrested.
“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.
The CP assured Abuja residents of sustained visibility and improved traffic control at major intersections, while urging them to report suspicious activities via the FCT Command emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08061581938.
FCT CP Warns Traffic Officers Against Misconduct, Launches Operation “Keep Traffic Flowing”
