The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has implemented a ban on drone operations and fireworks in Uyo, ahead of President Bola Tinubu's visit to the state. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the measures as part of security arrangements to maintain public order, protect strategic locations, and ensure the smooth movement of the President's convoy. The restrictions are intended to prevent panic and allow security personnel to respond effectively to genuine security threats.
The ban on drone operations will be enforced throughout the period of the President's visit, with members of the public, drone operators, and service providers advised to strictly comply with the directive. Additionally, the police have announced a ban on fireworks, knockouts, and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit. The command has also announced temporary restrictions on public access to designated routes and locations in Uyo to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.
The affected areas include Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction, and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Motorists are urged to plan their journeys, exercise patience, and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the corridors. The police have also urged residents to plan their journeys, exercise patience, and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the affected corridors.
President Tinubu's visit to Akwa Ibom is a working visit, during which he is expected to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno's administration under its ARISE Agenda. The projects cut across aviation, road infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, land administration, and security. The President is scheduled to inaugurate several projects, including the international terminal building and airport hospital at Victor Attah International Airport.
The airport projects are significant to the state's ambition to expand aviation, tourism, and investment. The international terminal is expected to strengthen the airport's capacity to handle international operations, while the Aviation Village is intended to provide accommodation for aviation workers. The airport hospital is also among the facilities lined up for inauguration. The road projects are expected to improve connectivity, with the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road linking communities in the two local government areas.
The Command and Control Centre is intended to strengthen security surveillance and coordination in the State. The state government had earlier announced plans for the President to inaugurate projects as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom's 39th anniversary in September. The police have assured residents that the temporary restrictions are necessary security measures and not intended to cause hardship.
The Commissioner of Police has appealed to residents to understand the temporary restrictions and remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas, and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through police emergency channels. The police, working with other security agencies, have put in place security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free visit.
Key points
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo ahead of President Bola Tinubu's visit.
- The restrictions are intended to maintain public order and ensure the smooth movement of the President's convoy.
- President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno's administration under its ARISE Agenda.
