IGP Disu Orders Crackdown on Vehicles Without Registration Plates, Concealed Number Plates

IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Police Formations across the country to intensify enforcement against vehicles operating without registration number plates.

The directive also targets vehicles with concealed, altered, defaced, tampered with, or otherwise obscured registration numbers.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the directive was announced during the monthly conference of strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The statement said the IGP described the growing trend of vehicles operating without proper registration or with deliberately concealed number plates as unlawful and a serious threat to public safety and national security.

The police chief emphasized that vehicle registration remains a critical tool for crime prevention, intelligence gathering, law enforcement, and effective policing. He noted that properly registered vehicles aid security agencies in tracking criminal activities, investigating offences, and identifying suspects.

According to the statement, the IGP further observed that criminal elements often exploit anonymous and unregistered vehicles to perpetrate crimes, evade detection, and undermine law enforcement efforts.

Consequently, all Police Commands nationwide have been directed to immediately commence enforcement operations against offending vehicles in their respective jurisdictions.

The statement added that any vehicle found operating without approved registration plates or with altered, concealed, or tampered registration details will be stopped, impounded, and subjected to the appropriate legal procedures in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

The Inspector-General of Police also urged all vehicle owners and operators to ensure strict compliance with vehicle registration requirements and other relevant traffic regulations. He warned that there would be no preferential treatment or exemptions in the enforcement of the directive.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening public safety, supporting national security objectives, and enforcing all lawful measures designed to prevent crime and protect citizens,” the statement said.