The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has launched a major inspection tour of police checkpoints across key highways in the state as part of efforts to enforce professionalism and eliminate extortion, illegal roadblocks, and other forms of misconduct among police officers.

The exercise follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, mandating police commands nationwide to monitor officers on duty and ensure strict compliance with operational standards.

CP Adepoju Takes Monitoring Exercise to Major Highways

During the inspection, the Police Commissioner visited checkpoints along the East-West Road in Emohua Local Government Area and the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Speaking to journalists at Omerelu, the boundary community between Rivers and Imo States, CP Adepoju explained that the operation was aimed at ensuring officers deployed on highways conduct themselves professionally and comply with established regulations.

According to him, officers are expected to be properly dressed, wear visible name tags, and interact respectfully with members of the public.

Tough Warning for Erring Officers

The Commissioner issued a stern warning to officers found violating police regulations.

He disclosed that officers who appeared improperly dressed or failed to display their name tags had their details recorded and would be referred to their respective commanders for disciplinary action.

Adepoju also warned against the erection of unauthorized roadblocks, emphasizing that such practices obstruct traffic and create unnecessary inconvenience for motorists.

Illegal Roadblocks Dismantled

One of the key outcomes of the inspection was the immediate removal of roadblocks discovered along parts of the inspection route.

The Police Commissioner noted that the number of checkpoints around the Rivers-Imo boundary had reduced significantly, describing compliance by officers as encouraging.

He stressed that police personnel should position themselves strategically and carry out stop-and-search duties without blocking roads or causing traffic congestion.

Continuous Monitoring Across Rivers State

CP Adepoju revealed that the monitoring exercise would not be a one-time operation.

He stated that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Departments have been directed to regularly supervise officers under their commands to ensure sustained compliance with police directives.

The move forms part of broader efforts by the Rivers State Police Command to improve public confidence and enhance professionalism within the Force.

Public Urged to Report Misconduct

The Commissioner also called on members of the public to cooperate with police officers carrying out lawful duties on the highways.

He emphasized that officers are deployed primarily to safeguard lives and property and urged motorists to comply whenever they are stopped for legitimate security checks.

At the same time, he encouraged residents to report any officer involved in extortion, harassment, or misconduct through official complaint channels, including the Police Public Relations Office and the Command Control Room.

Rivers Police Reaffirm Commitment to Professional Policing

The Rivers State Police Command says it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and professional policing.

With continuous inspections and stronger supervision mechanisms in place, authorities believe incidents of extortion, unauthorized checkpoints, and misconduct among officers will continue to decline across the state.