By Solomon OKPO
A human rights organisation, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, has expressed concern over the recent deployment of police personnel for traffic enforcement across Akwa Ibom State, alleging that the exercise commenced without adequate public sensitisation.
In a letter dated July 17, 2026, and addressed to the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, the organisation commended the command’s efforts to maintain order on the roads but argued that enforcement should have been preceded by a comprehensive public awareness campaign in line with community policing principles.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Saviour Akpan, Esq., stated that the sudden enforcement could expose motorists and other road users to harassment, arbitrary arrests, extortion and possible violations of constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, personal liberty and freedom of movement.
The group also stressed the need to distinguish between policing, security and traffic law enforcement, noting that traffic management primarily falls within the mandates of the Federal Road Safety Corps and relevant state traffic agencies, while the police should play a supportive role except where criminal offences are involved.
The organisation urged the police command to immediately embark on public enlightenment through radio, television, social media and community channels before intensifying enforcement. It also recommended training for officers on human rights and professional conduct, stakeholder engagement involving civil society organisations, transport unions and traffic agencies, as well as the establishment of accessible complaint channels for members of the public to report alleged misconduct.
COMPPART Foundation reaffirmed its willingness to partner with the police in promoting a professional, accountable and human rights-friendly policing system in the state.
