Police take action against vehicles with hidden number plates

The police in Rivers State have started enforcing a law against vehicles with covered, damaged, or unregistered number plates.

The police are following the NPF General Orders Chapter 17, Police Act 2020, section 63, and National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, sections 36 and 39.

The Rivers command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, shared this news on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Ms Agabe, who is an assistant superintendent of police, said this move comes from a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. The goal is to improve public safety and boost security.

She explained that this initiative aims to stop criminals from hiding their identities and carrying out illegal acts.

“The enforcement exercise will start on 15 June across Rivers State,” she stated.

Ms Agabe mentioned that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, has told all area commanders and divisional police officers to make sure this directive is followed.

She said the police commissioner instructed officers to enforce this order in their areas.

“Any vehicle found breaking this rule will be seized,” she warned. She added that offenders would face prosecution under the law.

Ms Agabe urged vehicle owners and drivers to make sure their number plates are properly placed and easy to see.

“Drivers should ensure their number plates have no obstructions or changes to avoid arrest, impoundment, or prosecution,” she advised.

She also warned officers involved in this operation to act professionally and within the law.

The police spokesperson emphasized that this operation should not involve harassment, intimidation, or extortion.

“Any officer caught behaving unprofessionally or engaging in extortion will face strict punishment,” she said.

Ms Agabe reaffirmed that the command is dedicated to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and taking steps to improve public safety in the state.