The Commissioner of Police of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Babaji Sunday has ordered full enforcement of the prohibition of all kinds of car and speed races in the territory.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the order is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, DSP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday in Abuja.

She said the CP had directed  all the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and their supervisory Area Commanders in the FCT to ensure full enforcement of the prohibition in their Respective Area of Responsibility (AoR).

Adeh said the order followed public outcry on the menace of recklessness, risk to lives and damages to personal property as well as critical national infrastructure caused by car and speed races.

She said illegal car racing, acceleration contests, speed competitions or test of physical endurance, amongst others had posed hardship in traffic navigation for road users in the FCT.

According to her, Section 228 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 is clear on the prohibition of any car race, drag race, acceleration contest, test of physical endurance, exhibition of speed, among others.

She warned that any person or group caught organising or participating in the prohibited car racing event would be arrested and prosecuted.

Adeh urged parents and guardians to prevail on their children and wards to desist from the act of illegal car racing and speed competition, as the practice or involvement was against the law.

She called for the understanding and cooperation of residents, adding that the command would continue to do all within its powers to ensure the safety of FCT residents.

According to her, the measure is part of efforts to ensure hitch free Christmas and New Year celebrations.

She urged residents to take advantage of the Command’s emergency numbers, 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653 and 08028940883, to report suspicious movement or threat to public peace, safety and security.