Police Crack Down on Unregistered Vehicles in Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has instructed Commissioners of Police to step up efforts against unregistered vehicles and those with hidden registration numbers across the country.

Disu gave this order on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with Strategic Police Managers, which includes officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police.

He stated that it is wrong, careless, and unacceptable to drive vehicles without registration numbers or to hide, damage, cover, or change number plates to avoid being identified.

"Let me now address the growing, 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. I wish to state clearly 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 I-G also mentioned that any vehicle found without number plates or with an obviously hidden, concealed, or tampered registration number will be stopped, grounded, and will face legal action.

He emphasized that vehicle registration is not just a formality but an important part of preventing crime and ensuring national security.

He pointed out that criminals, kidnappers, terrorists, and other offenders often use unregistered vehicles to carry out their crimes and escape detection.

"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," Disu stated.

He urged all law-abiding citizens to make sure their vehicles are clearly registered in line with the current regulations.