Defaulters’ Vehicles Impounded

By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

As the Nigeria Police Force began enforcing the third-party vehicle insurance scheme nationwide on Saturday, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by motorists in the state.

Speaking with newsmen while leading his team to monitor compliance across major roads in Uyo, including Ikot Ekpene Road, Idoro Road, and Aka Road, as well as Ikot Ekpene LGA, CP Azare noted that some vehicles were impounded for non-compliance.

He attributed the impressive compliance to proactive measures, including public sensitization about the importance of obtaining third-party insurance before the enforcement date.

“We are here to monitor the enforcement of third-party insurance compliance in Akwa Ibom State. So far, the areas we’ve visited have shown good compliance, and you’ve seen for yourselves that motorists are adhering to the directive,” the CP stated.

“Our officers are conducting the exercise professionally and in a civilized manner, as directed by the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The exercise has been seamless in Akwa Ibom.

“The enforcement will continue until every motorist complies. It is a legal requirement to have a minimum of third-party insurance to ply Nigerian roads, and we are enforcing the laws of the land,” he added.

However, Sunday Vanguard observed that some major roads within the state capital appeared deserted on Saturday morning, likely due to the enforcement exercise.