…Police begin enforcement across states, warn offenders of impoundment
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a nationwide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with unregistered, covered, obscured, altered, defaced or missing number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities.
The exercise follows a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety, improving vehicle identification and preventing criminals from using untraceable vehicles to evade detection.
Kogi Police Begin Statewide Enforcement
In Kogi State, the Police Command announced the commencement of a statewide operation against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorized, defaced or missing registration number plates.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Afusat Oyiza, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, noting that the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Kankarofi, had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and traffic personnel to ensure strict compliance.
She warned that vehicles found violating the directive would be impounded and subjected to investigations in line with existing laws.
Oyiza urged motorists, transport operators and fleet owners to ensure their vehicles display valid and clearly visible number plates at all times and that all relevant vehicle documents are available for inspection.
According to her, the exercise is a proactive security measure designed to improve crime prevention and strengthen security operations across the state.
Delta Command Targets Defaced, Unreadable Plates
Similarly, the Delta State Police Command announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles operating without registration number plates and those with concealed, altered, defaced or unreadable plates.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command said the operation was intended to improve public safety and strengthen law enforcement’s ability to identify vehicles, prevent crime and apprehend offenders.
“The command notes that vehicles without registration number plates or those deliberately concealed pose a significant security risk, as they are often difficult to trace and may be exploited by criminal elements to evade detection,” the statement read.
Motorists were advised to remove any device, sticker, frame or cover obstructing the visibility of their number plates and to immediately regularize vehicles operating without valid registration.
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Oyeniyi, directed Area Commanders, DPOs, Tactical Commanders and patrol teams to ensure strict enforcement across the state.
He warned that vehicles without approved registration plates or those with tampered registration details would be impounded and subjected to legal procedures.
Rivers CP Leads Compliance Operation
In Rivers State, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, personally led enforcement operations in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas.
Accompanied by officers of the State Traffic Department and members of the command’s management team, Adepoju monitored compliance at strategic locations, including GRA Junction on Aba Road and Ikwerre Road.
Several offenders were arrested and arraigned before a mobile court sitting at the Police Traffic Section, Mile 1 Divisional Police Headquarters.
Speaking during the operation, Adepoju said intelligence reports indicated that vehicles with obscured or unregistered number plates were frequently used in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery and the transportation of illegal arms.
“Vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered or obscured number plates will be impounded and their owners sanctioned accordingly,” he warned.
He stressed that visible registration plates remain crucial for crime detection, vehicle recovery and the identification of suspects involved in criminal activities and hit-and-run incidents.
Police Warn Against Extortion
The Rivers police boss also cautioned officers against extorting motorists during the enforcement exercise and directed that the operation be carried out professionally.
Adepoju further clarified that the restriction on the operations of tricycles and motorcycles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. does not apply to minibuses, popularly known as Keke buses.
According to him, security data showed that tricycles and motorcycles were frequently used by “one-chance” robbery syndicates, necessitating the restriction.
“We do not want to inconvenience members of the public. Therefore, Keke buses are allowed to operate after 10 p.m., although they will be closely monitored by security personnel. The restriction applies only to tricycles and motorcycles,” he stated.
Security Agencies Intensify Efforts
The nationwide operation underscores the determination of the police to strengthen security surveillance, improve vehicle traceability and deny criminals the use of unregistered or concealed vehicles for unlawful activities.
Motorists across the country have been advised to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration requirements to avoid sanctions, impoundment and prosecution.
