Tinubu Akwa Ibom visit prompts police to ban drones and fireworks and restrict six major routes in Uyo ahead of key project inaugurations.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has banned drone operations and fireworks in Uyo and announced temporary traffic restrictions on six major routes ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official visit to the state on Friday, November 6, 2026.

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The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, announced the measures on Thursday, November 5, during a briefing at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, saying the restrictions were designed to protect strategic locations, maintain public order and ensure the smooth movement of the presidential convoy.

Azare said the command was working with other security agencies to provide adequate protection during the President’s engagements and prevent any security breach.

“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 prohibited fireworks, knockouts and other explosive sound-producing devices within the state capital during the visit.

He explained that the measure was intended to prevent unnecessary panic and avoid distractions that could affect security personnel responding to genuine threats.

The six routes and locations affected by the temporary access restrictions are Airport Road, Shelter Afrique Junction, Oron Road, Nung Oku Junction, Mbierebe Junction and Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Motorists and other road users have been advised to avoid the affected corridors during the restriction period and make alternative travel arrangements.

Azare urged residents to plan their journeys, exercise patience and cooperate with security personnel deployed across the routes.

He acknowledged that the measures could cause some inconvenience but maintained that they were necessary for public safety and the successful conduct of the presidential visit.

The police restrictions come as Akwa Ibom prepares to receive Tinubu for a working visit during which he is expected to inaugurate several infrastructure projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration under its ARISE Agenda.

Among the projects scheduled for inauguration are the new international terminal building at Victor Attah International Airport, the airport hospital, Aviation Village, ARISE Palm Resort, the 14.5-kilometre Nsit Atai–Okobo Road, Ring Road 3, the Security and Command Centre and the AkwaGIS building.

The airport facilities are particularly important to the state’s ambition to expand aviation, tourism and investment.

The international terminal is expected to strengthen the airport’s capacity for international operations, while the Aviation Village is intended to provide accommodation for aviation personnel.

The Nsit Atai–Okobo Road is expected to improve connectivity between communities in the two local government areas, while Ring Road 3 is designed to ease movement and reduce traffic pressure within Uyo.

The Security and Command Centre is also expected to strengthen surveillance and coordination among security agencies through improved monitoring infrastructure.

The projects form part of a wider programme initially announced for Akwa Ibom’s 39th anniversary celebrations in September.

The state government had earlier planned the commissioning of 39 projects across the state, with Tinubu expected to inaugurate some of the major developments.

In preparation for the visit, Governor Eno has declared Friday, November 6, a work-free day across the state to enable residents, particularly civil servants, to participate in welcoming the President.

The governor made the announcement after inspecting projects scheduled for inauguration, urging residents across the state’s 31 local government areas to turn out for the presidential reception.

Eno also disclosed that a rally would be held during the visit in support of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

The police have appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, avoid restricted areas and report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through established emergency channels.

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With the presidential visit expected to attract large crowds and significant movement around the state capital, residents and commuters have been advised to make necessary travel adjustments ahead of Friday’s engagements.