Kano Police have impounded 72 vehicles for using covered, defaced, or missing number plates under a statewide enforcement exercise called Operation Clean Plates.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Ibrahim Bakori, announced the development on Monday during a press briefing at the Motor Traffic Division office on BUK Road, Kano.
Bakori said the operation targets vehicles with covered, damaged, or missing number plates, warning that such vehicles pose a serious security risk because criminals often use them to avoid identification after committing crimes.
He stressed that the offence goes beyond traffic violations. According to him, hiding a vehicle’s identity makes it easier for criminals to escape detection.
Meanwhile, Bakori said the command carried out public awareness campaigns on radio, television, and social media before launching the operation.
He said the police gave enough notice to vehicle owners. They also reminded motorists to register their vehicles properly and display standard number plates at all times.
The command has expanded the operation across all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
So far, police have intercepted 72 vehicles that violated the number plate rules. Authorities have impounded the vehicles, while the affected drivers will face prosecution.
Bakori disclosed that officers also stopped three other vehicles under suspicious circumstances. He said the occupants failed to give satisfactory explanations.
The police have started processing the suspects and the vehicles for further investigation. Bakori said the command would ensure the law takes its full course.
Police urge motorists to obey the law
In response to concerns about the exercise, Bakori said the operation aims to improve public safety, not harass motorists.
He urged vehicle owners to remove anything covering their number plates and fix standard plates immediately, while asking residents to cooperate with officers and report any misconduct by police personnel.
He reaffirmed the Kano State Police Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.
He added that Operation Clean Plates will continue until motorists fully comply with the law.
External Links Nigeria Police Force
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS)
