JUST IN: Cross River police to enforce ban on obscured, unregistered vehicle number plates

Crime Diary

CALABAR, Nigeria (NPA) — The Cross River State Police Command has announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, altered, defaced, unregistered, or missing number plates.

The exercise, according to the Command, is part of efforts to strengthen public safety, enhance intelligence-led policing, and prevent criminals from using unidentifiable vehicles to perpetrate unlawful activities.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said the operation is in compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers across the state to intensify surveillance and enforcement measures to identify and sanction violators.

According to the Command, any vehicle found operating in violation of registration regulations will be subjected to thorough scrutiny, while offenders may face sanctions, including the impoundment of their vehicles in line with existing laws.

The police expressed concern over the growing number of vehicles operating on roads across the state with concealed, defaced, or completely absent registration plates.

The Command noted that such practices undermine security operations and make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to trace vehicles linked to criminal activities.

Vehicle owners and operators have therefore been advised to ensure that their number plates are properly affixed, clearly visible, and issued by the appropriate authorities.

Motorists were also urged to maintain valid vehicle documentation and comply fully with all registration and traffic regulations.

The police reassured residents that the enforcement exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.

The Command called on members of the public to cooperate with officers carrying out the operation, stressing its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents of Cross River State.