The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered police commands across the country to begin a nationwide operation against vehicles being driven without registration numbers or with concealed, damaged or altered number plates.
The directive was announced on Tuesday as part of efforts to strengthen security and improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to identify and track vehicles.
According to the police chief, security agencies have observed an increase in the number of vehicles operating on Nigerian roads without proper identification.
He said some motorists deliberately cover, remove or tamper with their number plates to avoid being traced, describing the practice as illegal and unacceptable.
Disu explained that vehicle registration serves not only as a record-keeping system but also as an important tool in crime prevention and security operations.
He noted that criminals often use unregistered or untraceable vehicles to carry out kidnappings, robberies and other violent crimes, making it difficult for security agencies to track and arrest them.
The IGP directed Commissioners of Police, tactical commanders and other police formations nationwide to intensify enforcement and vehicle inspections within their jurisdictions.
He also instructed officers to enforce the directive fairly and professionally without granting special treatment to any individual.
According to the order, any vehicle found without valid registration numbers or with hidden, damaged or tampered number plates will be impounded and dealt with in accordance with the law.
Disu further advised vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and comply with all existing regulations to avoid sanctions during the enforcement exercise.
