The Kano State Police Command has impounded 81 vehicles operating with concealed number plates, defaced registration numbers or without any registration, warning that offenders will be prosecuted.
The Punch reported that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, announced this on Monday while addressing journalists, describing the trend as a serious security concern that could aid criminal activities.
“Kano State Police Command has observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying our roads with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, or no registration at all.
“This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to be used as a safe haven for such activities,” Bakori said.
Bakori explained that the enforcement exercise followed an extensive public awareness campaign aimed at educating motorists on the need to comply with vehicle registration regulations.
“Before the commencement of the enforcement, the command had embarked on massive public sensitization through the use of radio, television, social media platforms, and live phone-in programmes to educate the public,” he said.
“We reminded vehicle owners of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and clear display of number plates. We gave ample notice so that no one will claim ignorance,” the police commissioner added.
He further revealed that officers intercepted three vehicles under suspicious circumstances during the operation, with the occupants unable to provide satisfactory explanations about the vehicles.
“Three motor vehicles with their occupants were intercepted under suspicious circumstances. During preliminary interrogation, the occupants failed to provide satisfactory accounts regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles,” Bakori said.
“The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” he added.
According to the police commissioner, the exercise is designed to strengthen public safety by ensuring every vehicle on Kano roads can be properly identified and traced.
“The exercise is not about harassment but rather about their safety, and ensuring that every vehicle on our road can be identified and traced,” Bakori said.
Bakori urged motorists to obey the law by registering their vehicles and ensuring standard number plates are properly fixed and clearly displayed.
“I therefore call on all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that standard number plates are fixed and clearly visible,” Bakori said.
