The Imo State Police Command has impounded more than 25 vehicles found with covered, obscured or missing registration plate numbers as part of an ongoing enforcement operation aimed at improving security across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, disclosed this during a press briefing in Owerri at the weekend, explaining that the exercise aligns with the enforcement of existing laws prohibiting the use of vehicles without properly displayed registration plates.
According to the police commissioner, the initiative is intended to enhance public safety, strengthen intelligence gathering and deny criminals the anonymity often used to carry out unlawful activities.
“This proactive measure is aimed at improving public safety, strengthening intelligence gathering and denying criminal elements the anonymity they often exploit to perpetrate crimes,” Bosso said.
He noted that the operation is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which mandate every vehicle to display valid and clearly visible registration plates.
Bosso explained that the Nigeria Police Force derives its authority to enforce the regulations from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020 and other relevant laws designed to protect public safety and national security.
The commissioner stated that investigations and operational experience have shown that kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements frequently use vehicles with concealed or missing number plates to evade detection and frustrate security agencies.
“Our operational experience has shown that perpetrators of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other serious crimes frequently use vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plates to conceal their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts,” he said.
He stressed that the command would not allow such practices to continue undermining security within the state.
Bosso disclosed that he had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and patrol teams across Imo State to intensify enforcement of the regulation while maintaining professionalism and respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
“We will not allow such practices to undermine the security of Imo State. Accordingly, I have directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and officers on patrol across the State, to intensify enforcement in a firm, professional and intelligence-driven manner, while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens,” he said.
He warned that no individual would be exempt from the exercise.
“All violators, irrespective of their status or position, will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Bosso added.
Providing an update on the operation, the commissioner revealed that more than 25 vehicles had already been seized since the enforcement began.
He said the owners of the affected vehicles are currently undergoing profiling while appropriate legal procedures are being followed.
“Since the commencement of this enforcement, the Command has impounded over 25 vehicles found to be driving with covered, obscured or no registration plates.
“The owners are being profiled, while appropriate enforcement actions are being taken. All persons found in violation, irrespective of their status, will be prosecuted,” he said.
Bosso emphasised that the operation is not intended to intimidate motorists or encourage extortion by security personnel but is purely a preventive security initiative.
“Let me state clearly that this exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens or encourage extortion.
“It is a proactive security measure designed to improve the identification and traceability of vehicles, deter criminal activities and enhance public confidence in our security architecture,” he stated.
The police commissioner urged motorists across the state to ensure their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration plates at all times.
He also advised owners of vehicles with damaged, missing or obscured number plates to immediately regularise them in accordance with the law to avoid sanctions.
