Imo Police Intensify Security Crackdown, Impound 25 Vehicles Over Number Plate Violations

The Imo State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement campaign against vehicles operating with covered, obscured or missing registration plates, warning that offenders will be arrested and prosecuted as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.

Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso announced the initiative on Friday during a press briefing at the Imo State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, saying the operation aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, , IGP Olatunji Disu, aimed at improving public safety and denying criminals the anonymity often used to perpetrate crimes.

Bosso explained that the enforcement exercise is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, which require every vehicle to display valid and clearly visible registration plates. He added that the Nigeria Police Force derives its powers to enforce the regulations from the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Police Act, 2020, and other relevant laws.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence and operational experience have shown that kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other violent criminals frequently use vehicles with concealed or missing registration plates to avoid identification and frustrate security agencies.

"Our operational experience has shown that perpetrators of kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and other serious crimes frequently use vehicles with covered, obscured or no registration plates to conceal their identities, evade detection and frustrate law enforcement efforts. We will not allow such practices to undermine the security of Imo State," Bosso said.

He disclosed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and patrol teams across the state have been directed to intensify enforcement in a professional, intelligence-led and rights-based manner.

The commissioner stressed that the operation is targeted at violators irrespective of their social or political status.

Since the commencement of the exercise, Bosso revealed that the command has impounded more than 25 vehicles found operating with covered, obscured or missing registration plates.

He said the owners of the vehicles are currently being profiled while appropriate legal actions are being taken, adding that all offenders found culpable would be prosecuted.

The commissioner dismissed concerns that the exercise was intended to harass motorists or encourage extortion by security personnel.

"This exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens or encourage extortion. It is a proactive security measure designed to improve the identification and traceability of vehicles, deter criminal activities and enhance public confidence in our security architecture," he said.

Bosso advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and display visible registration plates at all times. He urged owners of vehicles with damaged, missing or obscured number plates to immediately regularise them in accordance with the law.

The police commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious persons, vehicles and activities within their communities.

He reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and assured residents that the Imo State Police Command would continue to adopt proactive and lawful measures to protect lives and property across the state.