The Zamfara State Police Command has issued a stern warning to motorists against covering plate numbers in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, DSP Yazid Abubakar, and made available to newsmen in Gusau, the state capital.

According to the statement, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, the State Commissioner of Police, stated that it is illegal to cover vehicle plate numbers, particularly in Gusau, the state capital.

“This warning came as a result of increasing reports and observations of motorists driving with covered or concealed plate numbers, which is a clear violation of traffic regulations and poses a serious threat to public safety and security.

“The command views this act as an intentional effort to evade law enforcement scrutiny and potentially aid criminal activity”, he added.

Maikaba further explained that the command will no longer tolerate such unlawful behaviour.

“Officers have been directed to commence strict enforcement, and any vehicle found with an obscured, covered, or tampered plate number will be impounded. Offenders will face the full weight of the law”.

The commissioner appealed to all residents and motorists in Zamfara State to comply with traffic laws and support the police in ensuring a safer environment for all.

He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order and called on citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

In February, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal number plates, impounding approximately 60 vehicles in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for various offences.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) in charge of operations, Hyginus Omeje, stated that the special intervention operation aimed to curb the use of fake number plates nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the special intervention patrol is part of the FRSC’s efforts to ensure sanity on the highways and prevent the use of fake number plates for criminal activities.

“The use of fake number plates has become a major security concern in the country. Some citizens have taken it upon themselves to use unauthorised number plates not recognised by law.

“We have also received complaints from diplomatic missions about their number plates being cloned, and we are determined to put an end to this menace.

“FRSC would leave no stone unturned in tracing the source of the fake number plates and bringing those responsible to book.

“The exercise will continue in all major cities across the country,” he said.