The police command in Rivers has commenced a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, defaced, unauthorised or unregistered number plates.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Ms Agabe said the exercise followed a directive by the inspector-general of police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety and strengthening security.

According to her, the initiative is designed to prevent criminal elements from concealing their identities and unlawful activities.

“The enforcement exercise will commence on June 15 across Rivers state,” she said.

Ms Agabe stated that the police commissioner, Olugbenga Adepoju, had directed all area commanders and divisional police officers to ensure immediate compliance.

She said the police commissioner ordered officers to enforce the directive within their respective areas of responsibility.

“Any vehicle found violating the directive will be impounded,” she said.

She added that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with extant laws.

Ms Agabe urged vehicle owners and motorists to ensure that their registration number plates were properly affixed and clearly visible.

“Motorists should ensure that their number plates are free from any form of obstruction or alteration to avoid arrest, impoundment or prosecution,” she said.

She warned officers participating in the exercise to conduct themselves professionally and lawfully.

The police spokesperson stressed that the operation must not be used as a means of harassment, intimidation or extortion of members of the public.

“Any officer found engaging in unprofessional conduct or extortion will face strict disciplinary action,” she said.

Ms Agabe reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and implementing proactive measures to improve public safety across the state.

(NAN)