The Kano State Police Command has impounded 72 vehicles for violating number plate regulations as part of a statewide enforcement campaign tagged “Operation Clean Plates.”
Gatekeepers News reports that Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Motor Traffic Division office along BUK Road in Kano.
Bakori said the operation is aimed at removing vehicles with covered, defaced or missing number plates, describing the practice as a major security concern that enables criminals to evade detection.
“This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection,” he said.
The police commissioner noted that the command carried out extensive public awareness campaigns through radio, television and social media before commencing the enforcement exercise.
“We gave ample notice so that no one could claim ignorance. Vehicle owners were reminded of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and clear display of number plates,” he stated.
According to Bakori, the operation is being conducted across all 44 local government areas of the state.
“So far, we have intercepted 72 motor vehicles in violation. They have been impounded, and the drivers will face prosecution,” he said.
He further disclosed that three additional vehicles were intercepted under suspicious circumstances after their occupants failed to provide satisfactory explanations to officers.
“The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” Bakori added.
The commissioner assured residents that the exercise is intended to strengthen public safety rather than harass motorists.
“This exercise is not about harassment. It is about safety. It is about ensuring that every vehicle on our road can be identified and traced,” he said.
He urged vehicle owners to comply with the law by displaying standard number plates and removing any form of obstruction without delay.
Bakori also encouraged residents to cooperate with law enforcement officers and report any cases of misconduct by police personnel.
“We will not condone indiscipline. Members of the public should report any act of unprofessional conduct by our personnel,” he said.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Bakori said the enforcement exercise would continue until full compliance is achieved.
“The operation will continue until full compliance is achieved,” he said.
