Police ban vehicles without registration, covered number plates in Kano

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered commencement of full-scale enforcement operation against vehicles with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, and vehicles plying roads without valid number plates.

Mr. Bakori regretted that Kano state Police Command has observed with concern, the increasing trend of motorists deliberately covering, tampering with, or removing vehicle number plates.

“This act contravenes Section 10(3) of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 and Regulation 38 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which mandate that every vehicle must display clearly visible and authentic registration numbers at all times.

“Covered or missing number plates undermine crime prevention and investigation efforts. They make it difficult to identify vehicles used in violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, _Daba_ thuggery, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities,” he said.

According to the Kano Police boss, “in a cosmopolitan and economically vibrant State like Kano, with 78 Police Divisions and 11 Area Commands policing a rapidly growing population, visible vehicle identification is critical to public safety.”

He said the enforcement is with immediate effect, adding that the Command has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and the Command’s Traffic Section to commence enforcement across Kano Metropolis and all Local Government Areas.

The enforcement will target: vehicles with covered, defaced, or unreadable number plates; vehicles using fake, unauthorized, or mismatched registration numbers; and vehicles plying roads without front and rear number plates.

Offending vehicles will be impounded and drivers prosecuted accordingly, “there will be no room for discretion or compromise,” he added.

Mr. Bakori, therefore, called on all road users and the good people of Kano State to be law-abiding and to desist immediately from driving motor vehicles with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, or without valid number plates.

He advised vehicle owners to: ensure their vehicles are duly registered with the Federal Road Safety Corps; fix and maintain clear, standard number plates on both front and rear; remove any form of covering, tint, or obstruction on number plates; report any vehicle seen operating without proper registration to the nearest police station.

Mr. Bakori assured that Kano state Police Command, “remains committed to the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on intelligence-led and community-based policing.

“This enforcement is not aimed at harassing law-abiding citizens, but at ensuring that Kano State remains safe for all residents and visitors.

“We appeal to community leaders, transport unions, and the motoring public to cooperate fully with our officers during this exercise. Complaints or reports of misconduct by police personnel during enforcement can be forwarded to the Command’s Complaint Response Unit on 09134558533 or 08115657624.”