Zamfara Police Launch Crackdown on Covered and Concealed Vehicle Plate Numbers

The Zamfara State Police Command has issued a strong warning to all motorists operating within the state against the unlawful act of covering or concealing their vehicle plate numbers. This action, described as a serious threat to public safety and security, marks a firm resolve by the police to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations.

Dependable NG reports that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, emphasised that driving with covered or tampered plate numbers is illegal, particularly in the state capital, Gusau. This warning comes in response to the noticeable increase in reports and direct observations of motorists intentionally obscuring their vehicle identification. According to the Commissioner, the command views this violation as a deliberate attempt to evade law enforcement scrutiny, which could potentially aid criminal activity.

DSP Yazid Abubakar, the command’s spokesperson, who released the statement to journalists in Gusau, confirmed the new directive for immediate and strict enforcement. “Officers have been directed to commence strict enforcement, and any vehicle found with an obscured, covered, or tampered plate number will be impounded. Offenders will face the full weight of the law,” Commissioner Maikaba stated.

The Commissioner further urged all residents and motorists to adhere strictly to traffic laws and cooperate with the police to promote order and enhance the security environment in Zamfara State. He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to upholding peace and security, and he called on citizens to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police formation.

This enforcement action in Zamfara aligns with a broader national security effort. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had previously launched a major nationwide operation to clamp down on the use of fake and illegal vehicle number plates across Nigeria. In February, the FRSC impounded approximately 60 vehicles in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for offences related to unauthorised number plates. Assistant Corps Marshal Hyginus Omeje, who oversees operations, highlighted that the exercise was necessary to address the rising use of counterfeit plates, including those cloned from diplomatic missions, which have become a significant security concern in the country. Omeje vowed that the crackdown would continue across all major cities, stressing that the FRSC would leave no stone unturned in tracing the source of the fake number plates and ensuring the prosecution of those responsible.