By MONDAY IJEH

The Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Ahmed Sanusi, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of traffic offenders in the territory.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Adeh said the CP had directed Divisional Police Officers and Motor Traffic Officers of the command to ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws as well as the arrest and prosecution of offenders.

She said the directive was to ensure road safety, free flow of traffic and prevention of avoidable loss of lives and property arising from traffic violations and reckless driving.

“The CP directed officers to clamp down on motorists who drive against traffic, popularly known as “one-way,” and other forms of dangerous driving.

“He also directed personnel to intensify patrols and surveillance around major roads, traffic-congested areas, junctions and stop signs.

“The idea with to identify and arrest traffic robbers who exploit traffic congestion and stops to dispossess unsuspecting road users of their valuables,” she said.

She said the CP had also, directed the officers to carry out the enforcement exercise with professionalism, civility and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Adeh said the CP warned the officers against using the exercise as an avenue for extortion, harassment, intimidation or unlawful use of force.

“Any officer found abusing the rights of members of the public or violating the directive will face strict disciplinary action,” she said.

Adeh enjoined motorists and other road users to remain law-abiding, obey traffic signs, refrain from reckless driving and other traffic violations.

She urged the public to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the nearest police station or to the command through its emergency lines on 08032003913 and 08028940883. (NAN)