The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has launched a renewed enforcement of traffic regulations across the state, warning motorists and other road users to comply with the law or face sanctions.

The exercise, which covers all 31 local government areas of the state, is aimed at improving road safety, preventing avoidable crashes, and ensuring the orderly movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

The command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, disclosed the operation  in a statement issued in Uyo on Friday.

John said the enforcement would focus on several traffic offences, including driving against traffic, operating vehicles without valid documents or a driver’s licence, and using covered, concealed, defaced or unauthorised number plates.

Other violations targeted include the use of unregistered vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles.

The police urged motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists and tricycle operators to ensure that their vehicles were roadworthy and that all required documents were valid before using public roads.

The Command warned that ignorance of traffic regulations would not be accepted as an excuse, adding that offenders apprehended during the operation would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

According to the police, area commanders, divisional police officers, traffic personnel, and other operational units, had been instructed to intensify enforcement within their respective jurisdictions.

The Command, however, directed its personnel to conduct the exercise professionally and respectfully.

John warned that police officers involved in extortion, harassment, unnecessary delays or other forms of misconduct would face appropriate action.

The command said the enforcement was not only intended to punish offenders but also to restore order on the state’s roads, protect lives and property and promote safer transportation across Akwa Ibom.