The Kano State Police Command has impounded 72 vehicles for violating number plate regulations as part of a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at strengthening security and curbing criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Motor Traffic Division office on BUK Road, Kano, where he unveiled the command’s new enforcement initiative, codenamed “Operation Clean Plates.”
Bakori said the operation targets vehicles with missing, defaced or deliberately covered number plates, describing such violations as a serious security concern that enables criminals to evade identification.
“This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection,” he said.
According to the police commissioner, the command embarked on extensive public awareness campaigns through radio, television and social media before commencing the enforcement exercise to ensure motorists were adequately informed.
“We gave ample notice so that no one could claim ignorance. Vehicle owners were reminded of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and clear display of number plates,” he stated.
Bakori said the operation is being carried out simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of Kano State.
“So far, we have intercepted 72 motor vehicles in violation. They have been impounded, and the drivers will face prosecution,” he said.
He further revealed that three additional vehicles were intercepted under suspicious circumstances after their occupants failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their identities and the vehicles.
“The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” he added.
The commissioner assured residents that the operation is designed to enhance public safety rather than intimidate or harass motorists.
“This exercise is not about harassment. It is about safety. It is about ensuring that every vehicle on our road can be identified and traced,” he said.
Bakori urged vehicle owners to comply with the law by displaying standard number plates and removing any form of obstruction that conceals vehicle identification.
He also encouraged members of the public to cooperate with security personnel and report any cases of misconduct by police officers.
“We will not condone indiscipline. Members of the public should report any act of unprofessional conduct by our personnel,” he said.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Bakori stressed that Operation Clean Plates would continue until full compliance with vehicle registration regulations is achieved.