Police bans use of Spy number plates, vows to deal with defaulters
By Mohammed Kaka Misau, Bauchi
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has placed a ban on the usage of spy number plates nationwide, vowing to arrest defaulters.
A press statement from the force headquarters, Abuja signed by the force public relations officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi yesterday directed the reversal to original registered Number Plates and seizure of SPY Plates.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc, has ordered a total ban on all use of Police SPY Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the states of the federation without exceptions”, the Press statement said.
“This is irrespective of whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely”, the Press statement added.
Police said the order becomes 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 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”, the statement further warned.
The stated that 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 (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives.
The IGP warned that while carrying out the assignment, 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.
The statement enjoined other security agencies and members of the public to cooperate with the Police on the enforcement order, explaining that the move was aimed at strengthening the internal security of the country.
