Highlands police have taken 14 drivers to court in a crackdown on illegal hidden vehicle number plates

The Plateau State Police Command has intensified enforcement of vehicle registration regulations, charging 14 motorists before a court in Jos for offenses related to concealed, defaced and improperly registered number plates.

This action is part of a broader security operation aimed at limiting the use of vehicles that are not easily identified or tracked by law enforcement agencies.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the exercise was carried out at the direction of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

According to the command, the operation was designed to eliminate practices that allow criminals to avoid detection, particularly through the use of vehicles with questionable registration details.

Explaining the purpose of the exercise, a police spokesperson stated:

“The operation, as directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu psc(+), NPM, aims to address security issues related to unregistered vehicles, hidden, defaced or altered number plates, unauthorized foreign number plates and other non-compliances that hinder identification and tracking of vehicles.

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“So far, fourteen (14) vehicles have been impounded for violations. Owners/operators have been charged to court for violations relating to the use of unregistered vehicles, possession of vehicles with covered or damaged license plates, unauthorized installation of foreign license plates, and replacement of approved license plates with manufacturer’s logos or other unauthorized inscriptions.”

The command noted that the law enforcement effort is a preventive security measure intended to close loopholes often exploited by criminal elements who rely on unregistered or incorrectly identified vehicles to evade arrest and investigation.

Police authorities further stressed that the exercise is not aimed at law-abiding citizens but is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen crime-fighting capabilities in the state.

Police Commissioner Bassey Ewah is said to have directed all officers involved in the operation to behave professionally and strictly within the limits of the law in carrying out their law enforcement duties.

The command also urged vehicle owners and drivers across Plateau State to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and that official number plates remain visible and unobstructed at all times.

Reiterating the police’s commitment to maintaining security in the state, Alabo said, “The Plateau State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and appreciates the support of citizens in building a safer Plateau.”

These latest law enforcement actions underscore increased efforts by security agencies to tighten compliance with vehicle identification regulations, which authorities say remain critical in tracking criminal activity and improving public safety.