Rivers: Police begin clampdown on vehicles with illegal number plates

The Rivers State Police Command says it will begin enforcing regulations against vehicles with covered, obscured, defaced, unauthorized or missing registration number plates across the state as part of efforts to improve security and public safety.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the exercise follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

She said the initiative is intended to curb criminal activities by preventing individuals from concealing their identities through improperly displayed number plates.

The enforcement operation, which takes effect from June 15, 2026, will be coordinated by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju.

As part of the exercise, all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been directed to “commence immediate enforcement of the directive and ensure full compliance within their respective Areas of Responsibility.”

The Command warned that vehicles found in violation of the directive will be impounded, while offenders risk prosecution under existing laws.

Motorists were also advised to “ensure that their registration number plates are properly affixed, clearly visible and free from any form of obstruction or alteration in order to avoid arrest, impoundment of vehicles or prosecution.”

Meanwhile, CP Adepoju has cautioned officers involved in the operation against any form of misconduct, stressing that the exercise must be carried out professionally and within the confines of the law.

He emphasized that the operation should not be used to harass, intimidate, or extort members of the public, warning that “any officer found engaging in unprofessional conduct or extortion will face strict disciplinary action.”

The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while pursuing proactive measures aimed at strengthening security across Rivers State.