The Plateau State Police Command has arraigned 14 motorists before a court in Jos for allegedly violating vehicle registration laws, including covering number plates, using defaced registration plates and displaying multiple or unauthorised vehicle identification numbers.
The prosecution forms part of an ongoing security enforcement operation launched across Plateau State to improve vehicle identification and prevent criminals from exploiting registration loopholes to evade detection by law enforcement agencies.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the exercise was being conducted under the supervision of Commissioner of Police Bassey Ewah as part of efforts to strengthen security and enhance public safety.
According to the command, the operation specifically targets unregistered vehicles, concealed or altered number plates, unauthorised foreign registration plates and other violations capable of frustrating security investigations.
“The operation is aimed at addressing security concerns associated with unregistered vehicles, concealed, defaced, or altered number plates, unauthorised foreign registration plates, and other non-compliance that hinders vehicle identification and tracking,” the statement said.
Police authorities disclosed that 14 vehicles had already been impounded during the exercise.
The owners and operators of the vehicles were subsequently charged before a court for offences ranging from operating unregistered vehicles to using covered number plates and displaying registration marks not approved by relevant authorities.
The command also cited cases involving motorists who replaced official registration plates with manufacturer logos, customised inscriptions or other markings that make identification difficult.
Police said the enforcement exercise is a proactive measure designed to prevent criminal elements from exploiting improperly registered vehicles to evade detection.
Commissioner Ewah directed officers involved in the operation to maintain professionalism and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He stressed that the campaign was not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but to improve public safety and strengthen crime prevention efforts across the state.
Motorists were urged to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and that number plates remain clearly visible at all times.
The Plateau State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and called on residents to continue supporting security initiatives across the state.
