In a proactive response to mounting traffic challenges, the Kogi State Police Command has initiated a major operational deployment along the critical Lokoja–Abuja highway. This strategic corridor, a vital artery connecting the South and North of Nigeria, has been plagued by severe congestion due to ongoing construction and diversions, prompting authorities to act.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Kankarofi, announced the deployment through the command’s spokesperson, CSP William Ovye-Aya. The operation is a direct response to the increased vehicular pressure caused by roadworks, which often create bottlenecks, confusion, and heightened risks for accidents.
This is more than a simple traffic detail; it’s a coordinated, multi-unit security and management operation. Deployed personnel include specialized teams from the Police Mobile Force (PMF) for robust security and crowd control, the Motor Traffic Section for expert traffic regulation, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to address emergencies swiftly. These units have been strategically positioned at identified flashpoints—critical junctions, active diversion routes, and key checkpoints—to ensure a continuous and visible presence.
Notably, CP Kankarofi is personally overseeing the initiative in close collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander. This inter-agency cooperation is crucial for success, as it combines the FRSC’s traffic management expertise with the police’s broader security and enforcement mandate, creating a unified command structure to tackle the problem holistically.
The Commissioner has issued a clear directive to all deployed officers: to execute their duties with a balance of professionalism, firmness, and civility. This underscores the dual objective of enforcing necessary regulations—such as preventing queue-jumping and ensuring adherence to diversions—while maintaining positive public relations and minimizing friction with motorists.
For the traveling public, the police message is clear. Motorists are urged to:
• Exercise patience and extreme caution.
• Obey all instructions from traffic officers without hesitation.
• Observe all road signs and diversion markers meticulously.
• Cooperate fully with security personnel on the ground.
CSP Ovye-Aya reaffirmed that this deployment is a core part of the command’s commitment to proactive public safety, aimed squarely at protecting lives and property on one of the nation’s busiest and most economically significant highways. The success of the operation hinges on this essential partnership between law enforcement and responsible road users.
By Stephen Adeleye
Lokoja, Dec. 22, 2025 (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
