Police order confiscation because of abuse by organisations and individuals

 

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Abuse of vehicle SPY number plates the police issued to some organisations and individuals has led to its ban by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba.

Baba announced the ban in a statement he issued through Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, which directed Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to confiscate the plates henceforth.

The statement titled, “Internal security: IGP bans use of spy number plates nationwide”, directed a reversal to originally registered number plates and seizure of SPY plates.

“This is irrespective of whether it is authorised, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely.

“This order is necessary to forestall the continuous disregard for traffic rules and regulations and other extant laws guiding road use by individuals hiding under the privileges of SPY police number plates,” the statement explained.

“The IGP has therefore directed that police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the SPY number plates should ensure prompt compliance with this directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order.

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Directive to AIGs and CPs

“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police, to give full effect to the directives as contained above.

“The IGP specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates currently in use are confiscated henceforth but the owners of such vehicles should not be arrested unless they are police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties,” the statement added, per Nairametrics reporting.

“The IGP however warned that while carrying out these assignments, officers must ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices.

“Other security agencies and members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with the Police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening our internal security.”

Baba had ordered in June 2021 the immediate suspension of the issuance of tinted vehicle windscreen permits across the country.

And he has now directed that the issuance of SPY number plates be stopped as part of measures to curtail insecurity challenges nationwide.