The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has ordered a nationwide crackdown on motorists driving without number plates or deliberately covering their vehicle registration plates.
The directive comes as the Nigeria Police Force steps up efforts to tackle impunity and strengthen public safety across the country. Consequently, officers have been instructed to enforce the law strictly against violators as part of ongoing measures to curb crimes linked to unidentified vehicles.
The latest move is expected to affect thousands of motorists, especially those who intentionally conceal their number plates while using public roads. Furthermore, the police believe the practice has become increasingly common and poses a serious security risk.
Speaking on the development, the IGP explained that the campaign is not only aimed at police officers but also at members of the public who deliberately violate traffic and security laws.
According to him, several police officers have already faced disciplinary action after complaints from Nigerians. Moreover, he said the force remains committed to ensuring accountability at every level.
“When we say end to impunity, it does not concern only our officers; it concerns every member of the public as well,” he said.
Disu stressed that every vehicle on Nigerian roads must carry properly displayed registration plates as required by law. He warned that anyone driving without number plates or using covered plates should expect to face legal action.
“You cannot drive your vehicle in this country without affixing number plates to it. We are going to arrest you and we will charge you to court accordingly,” he stated.
In addition, the police chief condemned the growing trend of motorists deliberately hiding their registration numbers, describing it as an unlawful act that has gradually become a symbol of influence among some vehicle owners.
“You are not going to cover your number plate. You do not have the right to cover your number plate. They have turned that into a status symbol,” he added.
The IGP further alleged that many motorists who conceal their number plates also fail to renew their vehicle registration documents and driver’s licences.
Therefore, such actions deny the Federal Government legitimate revenue while making it more difficult for security agencies to identify vehicles involved in crimes.
According to him, the nationwide enforcement will ensure that every motorist complies with existing traffic and security regulations.
“At the end of the day, by the time you arrest them, no matter their status, you will notice they have not been updating their registration numbers. For years, they have not then gotten new licenses. They have been shortchanging the Federal Government of Nigeria. So, I have directed my officers to ensure they arrest anybody driving their vehicles without numbering them or covering their number plates,” Disu said.
Meanwhile, the police also urged motorists to comply with the directive to avoid arrest and prosecution.
Furthermore, Nigerians were encouraged to renew expired vehicle documents and ensure their registration plates remain visible at all times.
