The Imo State Police Command has impounded more than 25 vehicles operating with covered, obscured or missing number plates as part of a statewide enforcement campaign aimed at improving security.
Speaking in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, said the operation followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen public safety, enhance intelligence gathering and prevent criminals from concealing their identities.
Bosso said the enforcement is backed by the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, as well as the Constitution and the Police Act 2020, which empower the police to ensure compliance with vehicle registration requirements.
He noted that kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal groups often use vehicles with concealed or missing number plates to evade detection and frustrate security operations.
The police commissioner said Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical teams have been directed to enforce the law professionally while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
According to him, all offenders, regardless of their status, will be prosecuted in line with the law.
Bosso disclosed that more than 25 vehicles have already been impounded since the operation began, with their owners currently being profiled for appropriate legal action.
He dismissed claims that the exercise was intended to harass motorists or encourage extortion, insisting it is a proactive security measure to improve vehicle identification, deter crime and enhance public safety.
The commissioner urged motorists to ensure their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration plates at all times and advised owners of damaged or missing plates to replace them without delay. He also called on residents to continue providing the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities to support security efforts across the state.