The Plateau State Government has announced the resumption of field operations by officers of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) from Monday, November 9, 2026, following the suspension of their activities for more than a month over reported attacks and harassment of officers while on duty.
Davou Jatau, the Commissioner for Transport announced this during a briefing in Jos, explaining that the government suspended the operations on September 19, 2026, to allow consultations with stakeholders and address concerns surrounding the conduct of VIO officers and members of the public.
Jatau said the suspension was mutually agreed upon to create an opportunity for constructive engagement and find an acceptable way forward, adding that the government had consulted the Traditional Council, Nigerian Union of Journalists, Public Complaints Commission, Christian Association of Nigeria, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers.
According to him, ‘The engagement provided an opportunity for frank discussions, constructive feedback and valuable recommendations on how to improve our operations, strengthen public relations and ensure that our officers discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, courtesy and respect for the rights of members of the public.’
He added that the resumption would not be a return to business as usual, but a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for motorists, warning that officers deployed to the field must conduct themselves in a manner that promotes responsible public service.
The commissioner disclosed that two suspects, identified as Kobe and Aweng, had been apprehended in connection with the last two incidents of assault on vehicle inspection officers and were currently being prosecuted by the police.
He urged members of the public to report cases of misconduct, harassment and intimidation through the Ministry’s official channels.
Jatau appealed to motorists to cooperate with authorised VIO officers and comply with traffic and vehicle safety regulations, stressing that the responsibility of the office was to improve vehicle roadworthiness and protect lives and property, rather than intimidate or inconvenience members of the public.