Police commence clamp down on unregistered vehicles, defaced number plates in Enugu

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mr Mamman Giwa, has directed police operatives to intensify professional clamp down on the use of unregistered vehicles and vehicles with defaced number plates.

Giwa also directed operatives to crackdown on vehicles with obscured number plates or unlawfully covered registration number plates across the state.

The commissioner gave the directive in a statement issued on his behalf by the Spokesman of Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on Thursday in Enugu.

The state police boss said that the directive followed the subsisting order of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu.

He noted that the I-G mandated the impoundment of such vehicles and prosecution of offenders nationwide, given the security risks they pose, their frequent use in the commission of crimes, and their violation of extant laws.

The commissioner emphasised that unregistered vehicles and tampered, obscured, defaced, or concealed number plates undermine law enforcement efforts as well as frustrate crime detection and investigation.

He said that such vehicles were often used by criminal elements to evade identification and arrest. 

Giwa, therefore, charged supervisory officers to ensure that the enforcement is carried out strictly in accordance with the law and with the utmost professionalism, civility and respect for citizens' rights.

The Commissioner warned that any officer found exploiting the exercise for extortion, harassment, or any other form of misconduct would face severe disciplinary sanctions. 

He urged motorists operating unregistered vehicles or using defaced, obscured, or covered number plates, except where expressly permitted by law, to desist forthwith and comply with all relevant regulations.

Giwa also enjoined residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety by reporting criminal activities and suspicious persons to the nearest police station.

The commissioner equally urged members of the public to report any case of police misconduct through the Command's Complaint Response Unit on 09160002486, 09160002487, 07059160602, or 08176255557.