The police command in Kano State has intercepted 81 vehicles over alleged number plate registration violations as part of its ongoing enforcement operation tagged “Operation Clean Plates”.

The commissioner of police in the state, Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, announced this on Monday during a news briefing in Kano.

He said the operation aimed to enhance public safety by ensuring that all vehicles on the roads were properly registered, easily identifiable and traceable.

The CP said the command had observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying the roads across the state with covered number plates, obscured registration numbers, or no registration at all.

According to him, such violations pose serious security threats because they make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and track vehicles.

“This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate act that creates security concerns.

“Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to become a haven for such activities,” Mr Adamu-Bakori said.

The CP said that before the commencement of enforcement, the command carried out a public sensitisation campaign through radio, television, social media platforms and live phone-in programmes.

He said that the campaign was designed to educate vehicle owners on the need to properly register their vehicles and ensure that standard number plates were clearly displayed.

“We gave ample notice so that no one will claim ignorance before commencing enforcement,” the CP said.

Mr Adamu-Bakori said the operation was being conducted simultaneously across the state’s 44 local government areas.

He said the 81 intercepted vehicles had been impounded, while their drivers would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The CP also disclosed that three occupants of a vehicle were arrested under suspicious circumstances for failure to provide satisfactory explanations regarding its ownership during preliminary investigations.

According to him, the suspects and the vehicle are undergoing further investigation, and the command will ensure the law takes its full course.

He assured residents that the exercise was not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to strengthen public safety and security.

“It is about ensuring that every vehicle on our roads can be identified and traced whenever necessary,” he said.

Mr Adamu-Bakori urged all vehicle owners to ensure proper registration of their vehicles and to display standard number plates without any obstruction.

He also appealed to members of the public to cooperate with police personnel and refrain from acts that could disrupt law and order.

The CP encouraged residents to report any unprofessional conduct by police personnel to the command’s Response Unit.

“We will not condone indiscipline under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan-Disu,” he said

Mr Adamu-Bakori reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, adding that the operation would continue until full compliance with the law was achieved. 

(NAN)