THE Kano State Police Command has seized 72 vehicles as part of a statewide enforcement campaign aimed at removing vehicles with covered, defaced, or missing number plates from the roads.
The exercise, code named “Operation Clean Plates,” is designed to improve security by ensuring that all vehicles can be easily identified and traced.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Motor Traffic Division office on BUK Road, Kano, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, said the operation targets motorists who deliberately conceal or alter their vehicle registration plates.
According to him, such practices pose a significant security risk by allowing criminals to commit offences while avoiding identification.
Bakori explained that the command embarked on extensive public awareness campaigns through radio, television, and social media before launching the operation, giving motorists sufficient time to comply with the law.
He stressed that vehicle owners had been repeatedly reminded of their responsibility to ensure their number plates were properly registered and clearly displayed.
The police commissioner disclosed that the enforcement exercise is being carried out across all 44 local government areas of Kano State.
So far, 72 vehicles have been impounded for violating the regulations, while their drivers are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
In addition to the impounded vehicles, Bakori revealed that officers intercepted three other vehicles under suspicious circumstances.
He said the occupants failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the vehicles, adding that both the suspects and the vehicles are currently undergoing further investigation.
Bakori emphasised that the operation is intended to strengthen public safety rather than harass law-abiding residents.
He noted that ensuring every vehicle on the road carries a visible and traceable number plate is essential to effective policing and crime prevention.
He urged motorists to comply with existing regulations by installing approved number plates and removing any coverings or obstructions without delay.
The commissioner also encouraged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and report any cases of misconduct involving police personnel.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Bakori assured residents that Operation Clean Plates will continue until full compliance is achieved across the state.
