The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders and Heads of Formations across the country to intensify enforcement against vehicles operating without registration number plates or with concealed, altered, defaced, or obscured registration details.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on June 10, 2026, stated that the directive was issued during the monthly conference with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the IGP, the increasing number of vehicles operating without proper registration or with deliberately concealed number plates poses a significant threat to public safety and national security.
He stressed that vehicle registration is a vital tool for crime prevention, intelligence gathering and effective law enforcement.
Disu noted that criminals often exploit anonymous vehicles to commit crimes and evade detection, making strict enforcement of registration laws necessary.
Consequently, all Police Commands nationwide have been directed to immediately commence enforcement operations against offending vehicles.
Under the directive, any vehicle found without approved registration plates or with tampered registration details will be stopped, impounded and subjected to appropriate legal procedures in line with existing laws.
The IGP urged vehicle owners and motorists to comply fully with registration requirements, warning that there would be no exemptions or preferential treatment in the enforcement of the directive.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting national security objectives and enforcing lawful measures aimed at preventing crime and protecting citizens.