The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olatunji Disu, has ordered Commissioners of Police to impound all vehicles without plate numbers.
The order came on Tuesday during his meeting with strategic police managers, consisting of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police at the force headquarters, Abuja.
Disu said it’s unacceptable to drive vehicles with concealed, defaced, covered, or altered number plates in an attempt to evade identification.
“Let me now address the disturbing trend that has several implications for public safety and national security across several parts of the country.
“We have observed an increasing number of vehicles being driven without registration numbers as well as vehicles whose number plates are deliberately concealed, defaced, covered, or altered in an attempt to evade identification.
“This practice is unlawful, irresponsible, and unacceptable, and so, I wish to state unequivocally that from today, the Nigerian Police Force will no longer tolerate such acts of impunity.”
”Every vehicle operating on our roads must be properly registered and must display its approved registration number in accordance with the law,” he said.
The IGP warned that vehicles that fall in that category will be stopped, impounded, and their drivers prosecuted.
He said vehicle registration goes beyond paperwork, adding that it is a key way in preventing crime, gathering intelligence, and protecting national security.
According to him, criminals, kidnappers, and terrorists frequently use unregistered vehicles to commit offences and escape identification.
“All CPs, Tactical Commanders, and heads of formation are therefore directed to immediately intensify enforcement operations against unregistered vehicles and those with concealed registration numbers.
“There shall be no preferential treatment or selective enforcement. The law must be applied equally to all, and anyone who chooses to disregard this directive will face the full consequences of the law,” Mr Disu said.
He urged Nigerians to be law-abiding and to ensure their vehicles are properly registered.
