The Ogun State Police Command has begun a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles using fake, concealed, defaced, unauthorised, or missing registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat crime.
The command said the exercise followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police aimed at improving public safety and preventing criminals from hiding their identities while carrying out unlawful activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, had instructed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Team Commanders to impound offending vehicles and investigate violators in line with existing laws.
According to the statement, the operation also targets vehicles displaying altered, fraudulently obtained, or improperly issued registration plates.
“The Ogun State Police Command has commenced statewide enforcement against vehicles operating with covered, obscured, defaced, concealed, unauthorised, or no registration number plates, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police,” the statement said.
It added, “The exercise is aimed at strengthening security, enhancing public safety, and denying criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in the commission of crimes.”
The command noted that only vehicles officially permitted to display flags under approved protocols are exempt from the directive.
Motorists, transport operators, fleet managers, and other road users were urged to ensure their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration plates at all times to avoid sanctions.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to advise motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and members of the public to ensure that their vehicles carry valid, duly issued, and clearly visible registration number plates at all times,” the statement added.
Police authorities stressed that the exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to improve the ability of security agencies to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, and track suspects.
“This exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens but to enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects, and strengthen the overall security architecture of Ogun State,” the statement said.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and assured residents that officers involved in the operation had been directed to act professionally and within the confines of the law.
