The Kano Road Traffic Agency, KAROTA, has called on the Kano State Government and military authorities to intervene in the recurring confrontations between its personnel and some members of the Nigerian Army during traffic enforcement operations across the state.
The appeal was made by the Managing Director of KAROTA, Hon. Faisal Mahmud Kabir, in a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Ibrahim Sharada.
Kabir expressed concern over what he described as increasing incidents involving KAROTA officials and some military personnel during routine traffic management duties.
According to him, KAROTA officers are legally empowered to regulate traffic, enforce road safety measures and ensure compliance with traffic laws for the safety of road users across Kano State.
The statement alleged that some military personnel often refuse to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives issued by KAROTA officers while carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
“KAROTA personnel are legally mandated to regulate traffic, enforce road safety measures and ensure compliance with traffic laws for the safety and convenience of all road users,” the statement said.
It added that the agency had observed with concern that “some military personnel often refuse to comply with traffic regulations and lawful directives issued by KAROTA officers while performing their statutory duties.”
The KAROTA boss, however, stressed that the agency holds the Nigerian Army in high regard and acknowledges its critical role in maintaining national security.
“While KAROTA maintains profound respect for the Nigerian Army and appreciates its vital role in safeguarding the nation’s security, compliance with traffic laws remains the responsibility of every citizen and institution without exception,” Kabir stated.
He noted that the repeated incidents have created unnecessary tension between both institutions and have negatively affected efforts aimed at maintaining order and safety on roads within the state.
The managing director therefore urged the Kano State Government, military authorities and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate dialogue that would strengthen cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between KAROTA and the Nigerian Army.
He emphasized that greater inter-agency collaboration and adherence to established regulations would help prevent future misunderstandings and improve service delivery.
Kabir reaffirmed KAROTA’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and constructive engagement with security agencies in the discharge of its responsibilities to residents of Kano State.
