In a move to strengthen security and curb criminal activities, the Rivers State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, defaced, unauthorised or missing registration number plates.

The exercise, which took effect yesterday, followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and was designed to enhance public safety and deny criminals the opportunity to conceal their identities while carrying out unlawful acts.

Spokesperson for the command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo, said in a statement that the operation is being coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who has directed all area commanders and divisional police officers across the state to begin immediate implementation of the directive.

The command explained that the enforcement exercise forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve security surveillance and ensure that all vehicles operating on public roads can be properly identified.

Under the new directive, any vehicle found with covered, obscured, altered, unauthorised or completely absent registration number plates will be impounded, and owners and drivers of such vehicles will be prosecuted in accordance with existing laws.

Police authorities noted that obscured or concealed number plates have increasingly become a security concern, as they make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles linked to criminal activities, traffic violations or other offences.

The command urged all motorists and vehicle owners in Rivers State to ensure that their registration number plates are properly fixed, clearly visible and free from any form of obstruction or alteration. It further warned that failure to comply with the directive could result in arrest, impoundment of the vehicle and possible prosecution.

The police reassured residents that the enforcement operation would be conducted within the bounds of the law and with due respect for citizens’ rights.

Meanwhile, to prevent abuses, the commissioner has directed officers assigned to the operation to carry out their duties professionally and lawfully, insisting that the enforcement exercise must not be used as a platform for harassment, intimidation or extortion of members of the public.

It further warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct, unprofessional behaviour, or extortion would face strict disciplinary measures, even as it reiterated commitment to maintaining law and order across the state through proactive policing strategies to enhance public confidence in the security agencies.