0
ITODE AKARI
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, on Monday led a statewide inspection of police checkpoints and ordered the immediate removal of unauthorized roadblocks.
The operation formed part of efforts to ensure strict compliance with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive banning extortion, illegal roadblocks and misconduct by officers on
Speaking during the operation at the Rivers–Imo boundary, the CP emphasized that the inspection aims to ensure highway officers comply with approved policing standards and refrain from conduct that disrupts traffic flow or damages the Force’s reputation.
He further disclosed that the number of checkpoints along the Imo boundary had reduced significantly, adding that the few roadblocks encountered during the inspection were dismantled immediately.
“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,” he said.
The police boss reiterated that the monitoring exercise was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, who ordered commissioners of police nationwide to ensure officers on duty were properly dressed, wore visible name tags and refrained from extorting 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,” Adepoju stated.
He warned that officers found violating the directive would face disciplinary measures, stressing that personnel who appeared on duty without proper uniforms or name tags had already been identified for further 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 said.
According to the Commissioner, routine inspections remain an essential responsibility of police leadership to ensure officers under their command perform their duties professionally and in line with the operational guidelines of the Force.
The CP further noted that the enforcement exercise would be sustained, adding that commanders and heads of departments had been directed to intensify supervision of officers under their jurisdictions.
Adepoju also called on members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out legitimate stop-and-search duties, emphasizing that police presence on highways is primarily intended to safeguard lives and property.
“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.
The inspection covered checkpoints along the East-West Road corridor in Ikwerre and Emohua Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
The Commissioner was accompanied by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Mobile Police Squadron Commanders, heads of tactical units and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
