The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has cautioned residents against bribing traffic officers, stressing that the practice is illegal and undermines road safety.
The advisory, shared on the command’s official X account, came with a message from Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale, urging motorists to respect traffic rules and officers carrying out their duties. “Offering money or inducements to officers is not only inappropriate but unlawful,” Adewale said in the 6 September post.
A follow-up message on 7 September stressed that such practices undermine professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force. The post read: “It is unlawful to give our officers money or any form of inducement while they are performing their duty. Let them discharge their responsibilities diligently, without interference.” It added emergency contacts and reporting lines for residents to flag misconduct.
The warnings build on a recent initiative by the commissioner to address growing traffic challenges in the capital. On 31 August, Adewale launched Operation Keep Traffic Flowing, which directs officers to maintain constant visibility across 30 traffic hotspots, including Wuse, Area 1 Roundabout, Karu, Kubwa and AYA. He emphasised the need to clear obstructions swiftly and curb one-way driving and illegal passenger pick-ups.
At a lecture to traffic officers in Abuja, Adewale criticised unprofessional behaviours such as forcefully entering vehicles or seizing control of steering wheels, describing them as dangerous and unacceptable.
He warned that any officer caught breaching professional conduct would face arrest and disciplinary measures. A surveillance team has also been deployed to monitor compliance.
Adewale reassured residents of sustained police presence at major intersections and during peak hours.
“The police are not adversaries; we are partners in progress,” he said, urging citizens to report misconduct promptly and support efforts to make Abuja’s roads safer.
