BREAKING: IGP Disu orders nationwide crackdown on unregistered, concealed number plates

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a nationwide enforcement operation against vehicles operating without registration number plates or with concealed, altered, defaced, or obscured registration details.

The directive was issued during the monthly conference of strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the IGP directed all Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Formations across the country to immediately intensify enforcement against offending vehicles.

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Disu described the increasing number of vehicles operating without proper registration or with deliberately concealed number plates as unlawful and a serious threat to public safety and national security.

He noted that vehicle registration remains a critical tool for crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and effective law enforcement.

According to the police chief, criminal elements often exploit unregistered and anonymous vehicles to perpetrate crimes and evade detection by security agencies.

“The growing trend of vehicles operating without proper registration or with concealed number plates poses a significant challenge to public safety and national security,” the IGP said.

He stressed that proper vehicle identification is essential for tracking criminal activities, investigating offences, and enhancing overall security across the country.

Under the new directive, all police commands have been instructed to commence immediate enforcement operations within their jurisdictions.

The police said any vehicle found operating without approved registration number plates or with tampered registration details will be stopped, impounded, and subjected to appropriate legal procedures in line with existing laws.

The IGP urged vehicle owners and motorists nationwide to comply fully with registration requirements and ensure that their vehicles display valid and clearly visible number plates at all times.

He warned that there would be no preferential treatment in the enforcement of the directive, regardless of the status or position of vehicle owners.

Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening public safety, supporting national security objectives, and enforcing lawful measures aimed at preventing crime and protecting citizens.

The police urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers during the enforcement exercise and report any suspicious vehicles operating in violation of registration regulations.

The nationwide operation is expected to commence immediately across all states and the Federal Capital Territory.