The Delta State Police Command says it will begin intensified enforcement of traffic laws across the state, warning that offenders will be arrested and tried immediately by designated mobile courts.

The announcement follows confirmation from the Delta State Judiciary that mobile courts are now operational in several jurisdictions.

The courts were approved through the Office of the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice on behalf of the Chief Judge, Justice T.O. Diai.

Police say the courts are empowered to summarily try traffic offenders in line with existing laws.

What the Police Are Saying

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the Command said enforcement would begin “with immediate effect”.

The statement said surveillance and patrol operations would be strengthened in major cities including Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Sapele, Ughelli and Agbor.

Offences listed include reckless driving, driving against traffic, use of unauthorised number plates, driving without registration numbers, illegal use of sirens and revolving lights, and obstruction.

“Offences such as reckless driving, driving against traffic, use of unauthorized number plates, driving without registration numbers, unauthorized use of sirens and revolving lights, obstruction, and other traffic violations will attract immediate arrest and prosecution before the Mobile Courts,” the statement read.

The Command added: “Members of the public are strongly advised to desist from violating traffic regulations and other laws, as the Command will not tolerate impunity.”

It warned of “zero tolerance for traffic indiscipline, obstruction of law enforcement officers, or attempts to evade lawful arrest.”

The police stressed that the move is not punitive but aimed at restoring order and improving road safety.

“Law-abiding residents have nothing to fear. However, violators should be prepared to face the full weight of the law,” the statement added.

The Command, under the leadership of CP Aina Adesola, said it remains committed to public safety and the rule of law.

Why It Matters

Delta State has witnessed recurring complaints about traffic congestion, reckless driving and misuse of official accessories such as sirens.

Mobile courts allow quicker resolution of minor offences, reducing delays associated with regular court processes.

What’s Next?

Police say enforcement will continue across major roads and urban centres in the state.

Motorists are advised to ensure their documents are complete and comply with traffic rules to avoid arrest and prosecution.

A team from the Katsina State Safety and Road Traffic Authority (KASSAROTA) has completed a two-day working visit to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to learn how Lagos manages its complex road network.

The visit, led by retired Major General Garba Yahaya Rimi, comes as northern and southern states seek new ways to reduce congestion, improve safety, and modernise traffic enforcement systems.

Why it matters

Katsina, like many Nigerian states, faces rising road congestion, poor compliance with traffic rules, and increasing accident rates.

Lagos—Africa’s fastest-growing megacity has developed a traffic control system that has drawn attention from other states looking for workable, technology-driven solutions.

The study visit signals growing inter-state collaboration on mobility and safety, with potential impact on millions of commuters.

LASTMA says Lagos model built on technology and discipline

Welcoming the delegation, LASTMA’s General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the visit reflected the agency’s growing influence across the continent.

“This visit is a resounding affirmation of LASTMA’s rising stature as a model traffic management institution within Nigeria and across the African continent,” he said.

Bakare-Oki added that LASTMA’s progress is linked to “continuous capacity building, effective inter-agency synergy and the strategic deployment of intelligent traffic management technologies.”

He said the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to building a “technology-driven and people-centric traffic management ecosystem.”

Katsina officials say lessons will improve traffic control back home

Responding during an interactive session, Major General Rimi praised LASTMA for its operational depth.

He said:

“The insights and lessons gleaned from the visit will greatly enhance KASSAROTA’s capacity to strengthen regulatory efficiency and improve traffic administration in Katsina State.”

Rimi also commended LASTMA for its openness and called for continued cooperation among traffic agencies nationwide.

Inside the tour: drones, traffic data and complaint centres

The Katsina delegation visited several LASTMA facilities, including:

Digital Complaint Centre

Department of Planning, Research & Statistics

Traffic Management Systems (TMS)

Drone monitoring operations used for real-time surveillance

Officials also participated in technical briefings on data analytics, public sensitisation, enforcement strategies and institutional development.

Industry reactions

Transport analysts say the visit underscores a growing shift towards professionalised, data-led traffic systems across the country.

They note that while Lagos is far from perfect, its structured traffic response, widespread CCTV coverage and digital mapping system offer a framework that other states can adapt at low cost.

What’s next

Both agencies say they intend to establish long-term partnerships involving joint training, data-sharing, and technology support.

The Katsina delegation included Public Relations Officer Abubakar Marwana, State Secretary Aminu Lawal Rabiu, and State Commandant Dahiru Bagiwa.

Lagos has unveiled a new initiative aimed at improving traffic management by recruiting civic ambassadors known as “Media Mayors” to support its traffic authority.

With more than 22 million residents, Lagos is one of the world’s fastest-growing megacities. Its economy relies on a constant flow of goods and people, but chronic gridlock remains one of its biggest challenges.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), often recognised by its yellow-uniformed officers, has long shouldered the burden of enforcing order on busy roads. But authorities say enforcement alone is no longer enough.

Unveiling the Media Mayors initiative, LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the move marks “a shift from pure enforcement to persuasion, advocacy, and collaboration with citizens.”

What the initiative means

The Media Mayors are not traffic officers but community representatives tasked with:

Advocacy and public education – using media platforms, community forums, and social networks to promote road safety.

Feedback and intelligence gathering – serving as “eyes and ears” for LASTMA, reporting traffic challenges from the grassroots.

Community engagement – working with markets, transport unions, and faith groups to embed traffic awareness into daily life.

Support during peak traffic seasons – reinforcing campaigns during festive periods and major events.

“These are not ceremonial roles,” Bakare-Oki said at the induction ceremony in Oshodi.

“They carry real responsibilities. The Mayors will amplify LASTMA’s voice, humanise its image, and strengthen cooperation with the public.”

Industry and public reactions

Transportation analysts welcomed the initiative as a step towards participatory governance. “Global megacities succeed in traffic management when citizens become partners, not just subjects of enforcement,” one expert said.

Some newly inducted Mayors described the role as a form of “civic priesthood,” mediating between traffic laws and the realities faced by everyday Lagosians.

Motorists interviewed outside Oshodi said they hoped the initiative would reduce friction between officers and drivers. “Sometimes it feels like officers are just there to punish us. Maybe these Mayors will help explain things better,” a commercial bus driver told NigeriaUpdates reporter.

A model for other cities?

Analysts say the success of the Media Mayors will depend on whether LASTMA acts on feedback received. By formalising two-way communication, Lagos could move from a purely enforcement-driven model to one rooted in cooperation and trust.

If effective, observers suggest the initiative could serve as a model for other Nigerian cities struggling with traffic congestion.