The Zamfara State Police Command has issued a stern warning to motorists against covering or concealing vehicle plate numbers, describing the act as illegal and a threat to public safety.
This was contained in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Yazid Abubakar, and made available to journalists in Gusau.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, driving with covered, obscured, or tampered plate numbers is a clear violation of traffic laws and could aid criminal activity by allowing offenders to evade law enforcement detection.
“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,” Maikaba stated.
He added that the command has directed officers to begin strict enforcement immediately, warning that any vehicle found violating the rule would be impounded and offenders would face prosecution.
The Commissioner urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with security agencies to promote peace and order in the state. He also called on residents to report suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had earlier intensified its national clampdown on fake and illegal plate numbers. In February, the FRSC impounded about 60 vehicles in the FCT for related offences.
Assistant Corps Marshal Hyginus Omeje, who oversees operations, said the exercise aims to curb the rising use of fake and cloned number plates, including those imitating diplomatic and government vehicles.
He assured that the FRSC will “leave no stone unturned” in tracking the sources of fake number plates and bringing perpetrators to justice, noting that the crackdown will continue across major cities nationwide.
