Ekiti: Police begin crackdown on vehicles without number plates

… arraign 17 suspects

The Ekiti State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles operating without registration number plates or with deliberately obscured number plates, leading to the arrest and prosecution of 17 offenders across the state.

The command said the operation, which began on June 22, 2026, was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, banning the use of unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed registration numbers on public roads.

Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Michael Falade, explained that the exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen internal security, improve crime prevention strategies and ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at preventing criminals from exploiting unregistered or concealed vehicles to perpetrate crimes and evade detection by security agencies.

During the enforcement operation, police operatives intercepted 17 vehicles found to be plying the roads without registration number plates or with covered registration numbers, in violation of existing laws.

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According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Sunday Abutu, the command disclosed that after thorough screening and investigation, those found culpable were charged before courts of competent jurisdiction for prosecution in line with relevant legal provisions.

The CP stressed that the exercise was not designed to inconvenience law-abiding residents but to enhance public safety and strengthen the state’s security architecture.

He noted that properly registered and clearly displayed number plates remain vital tools for intelligence gathering, crime investigation and the swift identification and tracing of vehicles used in criminal activities.

The Police Commissioner therefore urged vehicle owners and motorists to ensure that their vehicles are duly registered and fitted with valid and visible registration number plates at all times.

He also called on members of the public to comply with all traffic regulations and cooperate with police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, the Commissioner assured residents that the enforcement drive would be sustained across the state as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime, boost public confidence in policing and support the vision of a safer and more secure Nigeria.