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The Kano State Police Command has intensified enforcement against vehicles operating with hidden, damaged or missing number plates, seizing 81 vehicles during a statewide operation aimed at strengthening security and curbing criminal activities.
The command said owners and drivers of affected vehicles would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and warned that motorists who deliberately conceal their identities on the roads would no longer be tolerated.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Police Commissioner, Ibrahim Bakori, described the increasing trend of vehicles operating without proper registration or with unclear number plates as a major security concern.
“The Kano State Police Command has observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying the roads with covered number plates, damaged registration numbers or no registration at all.
“This is not a minor traffic offence. This is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals are using these vehicles to commit crimes and avoid detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to be used as a safe haven for such activities,” Bakori said.
The police commissioner explained that the command did not begin enforcement without first initiating a broad public enlightenment campaign to educate citizens about the legal requirements governing vehicle registration.
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According to him, awareness campaigns are being carried out through various media platforms to ensure that motorists receive adequate information before operations begin.
“Prior to the start of law enforcement, the command had carried out massive outreach through the use of radio, television, social media platforms and live telephone programs to educate the public,” he said.
“We remind vehicle owners of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and clear display of number plates. We provide sufficient notice so that no one admits ignorance,” added the police commissioner.
Bakori also revealed that officers intercepted three vehicles whose occupants could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles.
“Three motorized vehicles and their passengers were intercepted under suspicious circumstances. During initial interrogation, the passengers did not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles,” said Bakori.
He noted that an investigation into the vehicle and its occupants was ongoing.
“The suspects and their vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We ensure that the law is fully implemented,” he added.
The commissioner emphasized that the operation is designed to enhance public safety by ensuring that every vehicle using the state’s roads can be easily identified and tracked whenever necessary.
“This exercise is not about harassment but rather about their safety, and ensuring that every vehicle on our roads can be identified and tracked,” Bakori said.
He appealed to vehicle owners to comply with existing regulations by registering their vehicles properly and ensuring standard number plates remain visible at all times.
“Therefore, I urge all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are registered correctly and that standard number plates are installed and clearly visible,” said Bakori.
