Ouagadougou: The L©o Central Police Station deployed seven teams this Friday, August 28, 2026, to seven strategic roads, the main entry and exit points to the city of L©o, as part of Operation "Head Shield." The operation resulted in 615 road users not wearing safety helmets being turned back.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the initiative aims to empower citizens to prevent traffic tragedies. "Today, wearing a helmet is first and foremost about protecting yourself, but also about protecting others," emphasized Idrissa Sawadogo, the Central Police Commissioner of L©o. He noted that while the current action is preventative, with the systematic turning back of violators, enforcement will begin soon.

The police raised concerns about the use of secondary roads to bypass checkpoints and the reluctance of some elderly people due to the weight of the helmets. The police's stance remained clear: "Either you wear the helmet, or you walk." Commissioner Sawadogo praised his officers for their professionalism, highlighting that the operation proceeded without major incidents.

On the patrolled roads, the police action was generally welcomed by road users, though some noted acts of incivility. Afna Traor©, a compliant motorist, remarked, "It's our own lives that are at risk on the motorcycle, not the officers'. It's time for a more restrictive phase to ensure compliance."

For other citizens turned back, the helmet requirement was clear. Salmata Niki¨ma, stopped due to her passenger's lack of gear, appreciated the reminder about safety requirements. Placide Ira and a service technician both opted to retrieve their helmets before continuing to their destinations.

The "Head Shield" operation will continue in L©o to firmly establish the habit of wearing helmets among all motorcycle drivers and passengers.