The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo while announcing temporary traffic restrictions ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s working visit to the state on Friday, November 6, 2026.

The measures are intended to strengthen security, maintain public order and ensure the smooth movement of the President’s convoy during his engagements in the state.

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The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the restrictions on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.

Azare said the command had prohibited the operation and flying of drones across the Uyo metropolis throughout the presidential visit.

“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 are advised to strictly comply with the directive,” he said.

The police commissioner also announced a ban on fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital.

He explained that the restriction was intended to prevent unnecessary panic and enable security personnel to distinguish genuine security threats from other disturbances.

The command also announced temporary restrictions on public access to designated roads and locations in Uyo to facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.

The affected routes and locations include Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Azare advised motorists and residents to avoid the affected corridors during the restriction period and make use of alternative 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,” he said.

He added that the police, working alongside other security agencies, had put adequate arrangements in place to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free presidential visit.

The commissioner appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel, stressing that the temporary restrictions were necessary precautionary measures rather than an attempt to cause hardship.

He also urged members of the public to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted locations and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through designated emergency channels.

Tinubu’s visit is expected to feature the inauguration of major infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration under its ARISE Agenda.

The projects cut across aviation, road infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, land administration and security.

Among the facilities scheduled for inauguration are 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 state government had earlier announced plans for the presidential inauguration of the projects as part of activities marking Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary in September.

The airport developments are expected to support the state’s ambitions to expand aviation, tourism and investment opportunities.

The international terminal is designed to improve the airport’s capacity for international operations, while the Aviation Village will provide accommodation for aviation workers.

The airport hospital is also among the facilities listed for inauguration.

The road projects are expected to improve connectivity within the state.

The Nsit Atai–Okobo Road links communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is designed to improve movement within Uyo and ease pressure on existing roads.