The Kano State Police Command has impounded 72 vehicles for violating number plate regulations as part of a statewide enforcement exercise tagged “Operation Clean Plates.”
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, announced this on Monday during a press briefing in Kano.
Bakori said the operation was launched after the command observed a growing number of vehicles moving around the state with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, or no registration at all.
According to him, such violations pose serious security risks, as criminals often use unidentifiable vehicles to carry out offences and evade arrest.
“The primary responsibility of the Police is the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of law and order,” the commissioner said.
“In recent times, the Kano State Police Command has observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying our roads with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, or no registration at all.”
He added, “This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to be used as a safe haven for such activities.”
Bakori said that before the enforcement began, the command carried out extensive public awareness campaigns across the state to educate motorists on the need to properly register their vehicles and display standard number plates.
He explained that the sensitisation campaign was conducted through radio and television stations, social media platforms, and live phone-in programmes.
“We reminded vehicle owners of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and clear display of number plates. We gave ample notice so that no one can claim ignorance,” he said.
The commissioner said “Operation Clean Plates” is being implemented across all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
“So far, we have intercepted 72 motor vehicles in violation. They have been impounded and the drivers will face prosecution,” Bakori disclosed.
He further revealed that police also intercepted three other vehicles under suspicious circumstances.
“Three motor vehicles with their occupants were intercepted under suspicious circumstances. During preliminary interrogation, the occupants failed to provide satisfactory accounts regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles. The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” he said.
Bakori assured residents that the operation is aimed at improving public safety, not harassing motorists.
“Let me assure the good people of Kano State that this exercise is not about harassment. It is about safety. It is about ensuring that every vehicle on our roads can be identified and traced,” he said.
He urged all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and fitted with standard number plates that are clearly visible.
The police commissioner also appealed to residents to cooperate with officers carrying out the operation and avoid actions that could disrupt public order.
At the same time, he encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by police personnel to the command’s Complaint Response Unit, assuring that the command would not tolerate indiscipline.
Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, stating that the operation would continue until full compliance is achieved.
