The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has introduced security restrictions in Uyo, including a ban on drone operations and fireworks, ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Friday.
The command also announced temporary traffic restrictions on some major roads to ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements in the state capital.
Tinubu is embarking on a two-day visit to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, where he is expected to commission infrastructure projects and participate in All Progressives Congress campaign activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President will visit Uyo on Friday before proceeding to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday for an APC campaign rally.
During his stay in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The projects include the International Terminal Building at Victor Attah International Airport, an International Airport Hospital and the Ibom Aviation Village, all situated within the airport complex.
Other facilities scheduled for inauguration are the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
The AKWA-GIS Office Complex, Command and Control Centre and ARISE Palm Resort are also among the projects listed for commissioning.
Eno, who will receive the President, has declared Friday a work-free day to allow residents to participate in the presidential visit.
Addressing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan, Uyo, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, said the restrictions were necessary to protect lives and property, maintain public order and ensure the President’s activities proceeded without security challenges.
He disclosed that the police had joined forces with other security agencies to implement comprehensive security arrangements across the state capital.
As part of the measures, Azare announced that all drone operations and flights within Uyo metropolis would be prohibited throughout the presidential visit.
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He explained that the directive was designed to protect restricted airspace, secure important locations and prevent possible threats.
“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 were advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.
The police commissioner also prohibited fireworks, knockouts and other devices capable of producing explosive sounds within Uyo during the visit.
He said the restriction would help prevent unnecessary panic and distractions while allowing security operatives to respond promptly to genuine threats.
Azare further announced temporary traffic restrictions along Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
He urged motorists to make alternative travel arrangements, exercise patience and follow instructions from traffic officers and security personnel deployed along the affected routes.
“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,” CP Azare warned.
The commissioner appealed to residents to cooperate with the authorities, explaining that the temporary measures were security precautions rather than an attempt to inconvenience the public.
He assured residents that the police and other security agencies were coordinating intelligence gathering, traffic control and personnel deployment to ensure a peaceful and orderly presidential visit.