Police move against unregistered vehicles, concealed number plates

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

​The Sokoto State Police Command has announced a major enforcement drive targeting vehicles operating without registration number plates, as well as those with concealed, altered, defaced, or obscured plates across the state.
​The command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufai, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the crackdown is in strict compliance with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan.
The initiative is part of broader, ongoing efforts to bolster public safety, enhance intelligence-led policing, and prevent criminals from using unidentifiable vehicles.
​The state Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, reassured residents that the operation is designed to protect lives and property rather than harass the public.
​“This exercise is aimed at enhancing public security and ensuring compliance with extant laws and regulations, rather than inconveniencing law-abiding citizens,” CP Shaffa stated.
​The Commissioner urged all vehicle owners and operators to ensure their vehicles are fully registered and fitted with authorized plates.
He warned that those with covered or altered plates must rectify them immediately to avoid arrest, vehicle impoundment, or prosecution.
​Promising that the enforcement will be handled professionally, transparently, and legally, the Command called on residents and road users to cooperate with officers to ensure the collective interest of public safety and national security.