The commissioner of police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has embarked on an inspection tour of police checkpoints on major highways across the state.
The tour is to ensure compliance with the directive of the inspector-general of police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, prohibiting roadblocks, extortion of motorists and improper dressing by officers on duty.
The checkpoints visited were those on the East-West Road in Emohua local government area as well as those on the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road in Ikwerre LGA.
Addressing journalists at Omerelu, a boundary community between Rivers and Imo States, Adepoju said the exercise was aimed at ensuring that officers deployed on highways were properly dressed, wore their name tags and conducted themselves professionally while interacting with members of the public.
“We are here in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed that we go round and monitor officers on duty to ensure they are doing well, are properly dressed with their name tags displayed, and are not extorting members of the public,” he said.
The Police Commissioner stated that routine inspections were part of the core responsibilities of police leadership to ensure officers under their command discharge their duties in accordance with established standards.
Adepoju warned that officers found improperly dressed, without name tags, or obstructing traffic with unauthorized roadblocks would face disciplinary action.
“Those who are not properly dressed or whose name tags are not fixed on their uniforms have had their particulars taken and will be referred to their commanders for disciplinary action at the headquarters,” he stated.
The Police Chief emphasized that the monitoring exercise would be continuous, noting that commanders and heads of departments had also been directed to regularly supervise officers under their commands.
He observed that the number of road checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced significantly and disclosed that the few roadblocks encountered during the inspection were immediately dismantled.
“We have directed that nobody should block the road. Officers should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search operations without obstructing traffic. So far, compliance has been encouraging, and with sustained monitoring, things will get even better,” Adepoju said.
The police commissioner urged members of the public to cooperate with officers on patrol, stressing that police personnel were deployed on the roads primarily for the safety and security of citizens.
“I advise members of the public to understand that the police are on the roads for their safety. Whenever officers flag them down, they should cooperate with them.
“If anyone encounters an officer who misbehaves or attempts to extort them, they should report such conduct through the phone numbers made available on social media and other platforms, including the Police Public Relations Office and the control room, so that appropriate action can be taken,” he said.
