By Chidi Nkwopara
Imo State Police Command, on the weekend, impounded over 25 vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plate numbers.
The Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr. Audu Garba Bosso, who disclosed this while addressing the press in Owerri, also explained that the operation was in full compliance of “the enforcement of laws prohibiting the use of vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plate numbers”.
The CP said: “This proactive measure is aimed at improving public safety, strengthening intelligence gathering and denying criminal elements the anonymity they often exploit to perpetrate crimes.
“This enforcement is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which require every vehicle to display valid and clearly visible registration plates.
“The Nigeria Police Force is empowered under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Police Act, 2020, and other extant laws to enforce these provisions in the interest of public safety and national security.
“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.
“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.
“All violators, irrespective of their status or position, will be dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Continuing, Bosso said: “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.
“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 urged all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and display clearly visible registration plates at all times, adding that those whose registration plates are damaged, obscured or missing should immediately take steps to regularize them in accordance with the law”.
