Police Ban Drones, Fireworks, Restrict Major Roads Ahead Of Tinubu’s Akwa Ibom Visit

Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a ban on drone operations and fireworks in Uyo, alongside temporary restrictions on major roads, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s working visit to the state on Friday, November 6.

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

He said the restrictions were part of security arrangements designed to maintain public order, protect strategic locations and ensure the smooth movement of the presidential convoy during the visit.

Azare announced a total restriction on the operation and flying of drones within Uyo metropolis throughout the period of the President’s visit, urging drone operators, members of the public and service providers to comply with the directive.

He also prohibited fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital, explaining that the measure would prevent unnecessary panic and allow security personnel to respond effectively to genuine security threats.

The police commissioner further identified six routes and locations that would experience temporary access restrictions to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.

They include Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

He advised motorists to plan their journeys, avoid the affected corridors during the restriction period and use alternative routes. Residents were also urged to exercise patience and cooperate with traffic and security personnel deployed across the areas.

Azare said the command was working with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free presidential visit. He appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted locations and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration under the state’s ARISE Agenda.

The projects scheduled for commissioning include 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 visit is also expected to showcase the state government’s investments in aviation, road infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, land administration and security.