The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to arrest motorists driving without number plates or deliberately covering their vehicle registration numbers.

According to the police chief, the directive is part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities and end impunity across the country.

Speaking during a recent meeting with guests in his office, Disu said many criminals have exploited covered number plates to evade detection while carrying out unlawful activities. He noted that the practice has become increasingly common, with some individuals even treating it as a status symbol.

“A lot of crimes have been committed by people covering their number plates, and it has now become a status symbol for some. I have directed police officers to arrest anyone driving without number plates or covering their number plates,” he said.

The IGP stressed that the order applies to all road users regardless of their social or political status, warning that the police would no longer tolerate violations of vehicle registration regulations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to enforcing the law and ensuring that all vehicles on Nigerian roads are properly identified for security and public safety purposes.