The police command in Lagos State has impounded about 50 vehicles in a statewide enforcement exercise targeting motorists using covered, defaced, or unregistered number plates.

The commissioner of police, Lagos State command, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.

The commissioner said the operation forms part of renewed efforts to strengthen security and improve vehicle identification across the state.

Mr Tijani said the command had earlier issued warnings and carried out sensitisation campaigns urging motorists to comply with regulations requiring clear and visible display of vehicle number plates.

“Despite the public enlightenment, some motorists continued to flout the rules, prompting the commencement of full enforcement.

“The exercise, which began on Monday morning, was simultaneously carried out across various divisions and area commands in Lagos State.

“Officers were deployed strategically to identify and apprehend vehicles operating with covered, altered, or missing number plates,” he said.

The commissioner said about 50 vehicles had already been impounded, while additional vehicles were still being recovered and taken to police formations for further action.

According to him, the enforcement exercise will continue across the state until full compliance is achieved.

Mr Tijani stressed that there would be no exceptions for offenders, except where exemptions were clearly provided under the law.

He explained that the use of covered or unidentifiable number plates poses serious security risks, as it enables criminals to conceal their identities and evade detection during criminal activities.

According to him, such practices hinder effective policing, surveillance, and vehicle tracking in crime investigations.

“The dangers inherent in covering or not properly fixing number plates include the use of such vehicles for criminal activities, including evasion of law enforcement and difficulty in tracking stolen vehicles,” he said.

The commissioner urged motorists to ensure strict compliance with vehicle registration and identification laws, warning that violations would attract sanctions.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and enhancing public safety across Lagos State.

The police boss also appealed for continued cooperation from residents, stressing that the enforcement exercise was aimed at strengthening security rather than inconveniencing law-abiding citizens.

He assured that all impounded vehicles would be processed in line with due procedures, while offenders would be made to face appropriate legal consequences. 

(NAN)