By Esther Onyegbula
The Lagos State Police Command has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles operating with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the state.
The exercise, which begins on Monday, June 15, 2026, follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety and preventing criminal elements from concealing their identities while carrying out unlawful activities.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the operation will be led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, who has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, across the state to ensure strict compliance with the directive within their respective jurisdictions.
The command stated that any vehicle found violating the directive would be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in line with extant laws and established procedures.
The statement read: “The Lagos State Police Command, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening security, and denying criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and activities, will commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced or no registration number plates.
“The exercise will commence on Monday, 15th June 2026, and will be led by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai. He has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to commence enforcement of the directive and ensure full compliance within their respective Areas of Responsibility.”
The police explained that the initiative is a proactive security measure designed to improve law enforcement agencies’ ability to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects and strengthen the overall security architecture of Lagos State.
The command stressed that the operation is not intended to harass or inconvenience law-abiding motorists but rather to close loopholes often exploited by criminals.
“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that this enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding motorists. Rather, it is a proactive security measure designed to enhance the capacity of police operatives to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects and strengthen the overall security architecture of the State,” the statement added.
Consequently, motorists, transport operators, fleet owners and other road users were advised to ensure that their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.
The police also urged vehicle owners to keep all relevant vehicle documents up to date and readily available for inspection whenever required by law enforcement officers.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the command called on residents to support the initiative by complying with the directive and providing useful information to security agencies.
“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the State. The success of this initiative, like all policing efforts, depends largely on the cooperation and support of members of the public,” the statement said.
The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or activities through its emergency lines.
“Security is a shared responsibility. The Command therefore urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities,” it stated.
The police expressed appreciation to Lagos residents for their continued cooperation and support as efforts intensify to improve security across the state.
