The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has placed restrictions on night journeys embarked on by transport workers.
Nigeria’s number one police officer made this known in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Police Force spokesperson, Frank Mba.
The police bss warned of tough consequences for members of the organized transport sector who continue to breach the existing restriction order by resorting to night travels.
He stated that the violations by commercial drivers have proven to be counter-productive as it undermines the tireless efforts of the Federal Government at curbing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.
It should be noted that Nigeria has recorded 407 cases of the pandemic as at Thursday morning.
The statement read: “This warning is sequel to intelligence at the disposal of the Force showing that road transport workers, especially interstate operators, have continued to defy the lockdown order and cessation of movements as emplaced by the Federal Government as they continue to embark on night journeys.
“Accordingly, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police to ensure full implementation of the restriction order, especially as it relates to night travel without being unmindful of categories of exempted persons and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
“The IGP, while restating that the lockdown is for 24 hours daily and that night hours are not excluded, calls on the leadership of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association amongst others, to warn their members to strictly adhere to the restriction order of the Federal Government, warning that violators will be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
Meanwhile, the IGP appreciated the understanding and cooperation of Nigerians during this period and assured that the Force will continue to do its best to protect lives and properties.
He then advised Nigerians to take advantage of emergency numbers of the Force which can be found at https://www.npf.gov.ng/information/emergency_number.php in reaching out to relevant police authority at the various command levels.
