Tinubu’s visit: Police ban drones, restrict traffic in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo and announced temporary traffic restrictions ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Friday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the measures on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.

He said the restrictions were part of security arrangements to maintain public order, protect strategic locations and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements.

“There will be total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit. Members of the public, drone operators and service providers are advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.

The police commissioner also announced a ban on fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.

He said the measure would prevent panic and allow security personnel to respond effectively to genuine security threats.

The command 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 are 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.

“Members of the public are advised to avoid the routes during the restriction and use alternative routes,” Azare said,

He also urged residents to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the affected corridors.

The commissioner said the command, working with other security agencies, had put in place security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free visit.

He appealed to residents to understand that the temporary restrictions were necessary security measures and not intended to cause hardship.

Azare urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through police emergency channels.

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.

Among the projects scheduled for inauguration are the international terminal building and airport hospital at Victor Attah International Airport, Aviation Village, ARISE Palm Resort, the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, Ring Road 3, the Command and Control Centre and the AkwaGIS building.

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 airport projects are particularly 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 also expected to improve connectivity. The 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road links communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is designed to improve movement within Uyo and ease pressure on existing roads. The Command and Control Centre, meanwhile, is intended to strengthen security surveillance and coordination in the state.