Written by Stevenie Ojijiagwo
The Imo State Police Command has intensified the enforcement of laws prohibiting the use of vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plates, leading to the impoundment of over 25 vehicles across the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Imo State Police Command Headquarters on Thursday, July 3, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, said the enforcement exercise was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc, NPM, aimed at strengthening public safety and combating crime.
CP Bosso explained that the operation is designed to improve intelligence gathering, enhance vehicle traceability and deny criminals the anonymity they often exploit while carrying out unlawful activities.
According to him, the enforcement is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which mandate every vehicle to display valid and clearly visible registration plates. He added that the Nigeria Police Force derives its authority to enforce the law from the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the Police Act, 2020, and other extant laws.
The Police Commissioner noted that operational experience has shown that perpetrators of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other serious crimes frequently use vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plates to conceal their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts.
"We will not allow such practices to undermine the security of Imo State," CP Bosso declared.
He disclosed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and officers on patrol across the state have been directed to intensify enforcement in a firm, professional and intelligence-driven manner while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
CP Bosso further revealed that since the commencement of the exercise, the Command has impounded more than 25 vehicles found operating without visible registration plates or with plates deliberately covered or obscured.
He said the owners of the affected vehicles are currently being profiled, while appropriate enforcement actions are being taken, stressing that all violators, irrespective of their status or position, would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner emphasized that the operation is not intended to harass members of the public or encourage extortion but is a proactive security measure aimed at deterring criminal activities and boosting public confidence in the state's security architecture.
He therefore urged all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and display clearly visible registration plates at all times. He advised owners of vehicles with damaged, missing or obscured number plates to immediately regularize them in line with the law.
CP Bosso also appealed to residents of Imo State to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information on suspicious persons, vehicles and activities within their communities, noting that effective security requires the cooperation of the public.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Imo State Police Command to proactive policing and assured residents that the Command would continue to take all lawful measures necessary to safeguard lives and property across the state.
