The Nigeria police Command in Enugu State has impounded 195 vehicles for registration and number plate violations as it commenced enforcement of the nationwide ban on unregistered vehicles and those with illegal or improperly displayed number plates.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, was carried out on Tuesday across the state.
The impounded vehicles, the statement disclosed, include those that were unregistered, had covered, defaced, obscured, unauthorized or improperly affixed number plates, as well as vehicles operating with only one number plate instead of the two required by law.
The statement added that owners of the affected vehicles would be charged to court and prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations and other relevant laws.
Commending officers who participated in the exercise for their professionalism, Giwa reminded motorists of their obligation to comply with laws governing vehicle registration and number plate usage.
He warned that the Command would sustain the enforcement operation and ensure that offenders are prosecuted in line with the law.
The commissioner said the exercise followed a recent directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordering all state police commands to strictly enforce the ban on unregistered vehicles and prosecute offenders.
According to him, such vehicles pose significant security risks, are frequently used in criminal activities and contravene existing traffic regulations.
Giwa also warned police personnel against extorting or harassing members of the public during the enforcement exercise, stressing that any officer found engaging in misconduct would face disciplinary action.
He urged motorists operating unregistered vehicles or using covered, defaced, obscured, unauthorized or improperly affixed number plates, except where permitted by law, to immediately comply with the relevant regulations.
