By Constance Adaurie
The Kano State Police Command has announced the commencement of a statewide public awareness and sensitization campaign on traffic rules, with a warning that this will be immediately followed by strict enforcement across the state.
In a statement by the police public relations officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the Command said, the initiative is part of efforts to address rising cases of traffic violations, road crashes and gridlocks on Kano road networks.
The Kano State Police Command hereby cautions all members of the public to strictly abide by traffic rules and regulations as the Command commences a statewide public awareness and sensitization campaign, to be followed by immediate and stringent enforcement.
“Members of the public are advised to take advantage of the sensitization period to comply with all traffic laws. At the end of the sensitization, offenders will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with extant regulations. The Command also expects law and order to be maintained at all times,” the statement read.
According to the police, the measure is “aimed at curbing traffic violations, reducing road crashes and gridlocks, and ensuring the safety of lives and property on Kano road networks.”
The statement noted that the awareness phase would address; Driving Without or With Covered Number Plates, Driving against traffic / One-way violation, Disobedience to traffic lights and road signs, Speeding and reckless driving, Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and use of mobile phones while driving, Overloading, illegal parking, obstruction of traffic flow, and so on.
The Command also called for broad stakeholder collaboration to make the campaign effective. It said it seeks the cooperation of transport unions, NARTO, NURTW, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the media, civil society organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure safer road networks for all.
Officers have been directed to intensify patrols and public engagement during the sensitization period before moving to full enforcement.
Residents and road users in Kano have been urged to take advantage of the awareness window to adjust their driving habits in order to avoid penalties when enforcement begins.
The Kano State Government has made dogged and commendable efforts in the development of road networks and infrastructure through the construction and renovation of roads across the State.
The Command, however, urged the public to reciprocate this gesture by demonstrating responsibility and discipline while using these roads.
The Kano State Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
The commitment, he said, is in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at a people-centered, technology-driven, and intelligence-led policing.
