The Abia State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement exercise against unregistered vehicles and vehicles with tampered, concealed, defaced, altered, or unlawfully covered number plates.

The operation follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, mandating the impoundment of unregistered vehicles nationwide and the prosecution of offenders.

According to the Police Command, the exercise is aimed at strengthening security and reducing criminal activities carried out with vehicles that are difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify or trace.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, said the enforcement action was part of efforts to ensure compliance with existing vehicle registration regulations.

The Commissioner of Police explained that the use of unregistered vehicles and vehicles with altered or hidden number plates creates serious security challenges. He noted that such practices hinder effective policing, affect crime detection and investigation, and provide opportunities for criminals to avoid identification and arrest.

CP Isa directed officers and supervisory personnel involved in the exercise to carry out the operation in a coordinated, professional, and lawful manner. He emphasised that the rights of citizens must be respected throughout the enforcement process.

The police commissioner also warned personnel against extortion, harassment, or any form of misconduct during the operation, stressing that officers found guilty of such acts would face strict disciplinary action.

He encouraged residents who experience any form of police misconduct to report such cases through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit. He also advised motorists with unregistered vehicles or vehicles carrying tampered or obscured number plates to immediately regularise their documents and comply with the law.

The Command further urged residents of Abia State to remain law-abiding and support ongoing security initiatives by reporting suspicious individuals and activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency response channels.

The Police Command stated that the enforcement exercise is part of broader measures aimed at improving public safety and strengthening security across the state.