Police Ban Drones, Fireworks Ahead Of Tinubu’s Visit To Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has prohibited drone operations, fireworks and other explosive sound-producing devices in Uyo ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s working visit to the state on Friday.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the restrictions on Thursday during a briefing with journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
Azare said the measures were part of security arrangements to maintain public order, protect critical infrastructure and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements in the state.
He directed drone operators, service providers and members of the public to comply strictly with the ban on flying drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the visit.
The police commissioner also prohibited the use of fireworks, knockouts and other explosive devices capable of producing loud sounds, explaining that the restriction would prevent unnecessary panic and enable security personnel to respond promptly to genuine threats.
He further disclosed that temporary traffic restrictions would be imposed on designated roads and locations to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.
The affected routes include Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Azare advised motorists to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed along the affected corridors.
He also urged residents to avoid the restricted routes and make use of alternative roads during the period.
The commissioner assured residents that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had put adequate arrangements in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free presidential visit.
He appealed for public cooperation, stressing that the temporary restrictions were necessary security measures rather than an attempt to inconvenience residents.
Azare further encouraged members of the public to remain law-abiding, stay away from restricted areas and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.
Tinubu’s visit is expected to feature the inauguration of several 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 facilities 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 international airport terminal is expected to boost the state’s aviation capacity and support international operations, while the Aviation Village will provide accommodation for aviation workers.
Similarly, the airport hospital is designed to strengthen healthcare services within the aviation environment.
The Nsit Atai–Okobo Road is expected to improve connectivity between communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is intended to ease traffic congestion and enhance movement within Uyo.
The Command and Control Centre is also expected to strengthen security surveillance and improve coordination among security agencies in the state.
