The Kano State Police Command says it has intercepted 123 vehicles operating with covered, defaced or missing registration plates across the state, while recovering a Beretta pistol, suspected cannabis and other exhibits from a suspect arrested during the ongoing enforcement exercise.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Police Headquarters in Bompai, where he gave an update on the progress of Operation Clean Plates, an initiative launched to curb the use of unregistered vehicles by criminals.
Bakori said the operation, which commenced on July 6, has so far covered all the 44 local government areas of the state.
“From the commencement of this operation to date, a total of 123 motor vehicles in violation have been intercepted across the 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State,” the commissioner said.
He added that all the drivers of the affected vehicles had been arraigned in court.
“I am pleased to report that all the drivers of the intercepted vehicles have been charged to court and are being prosecuted in accordance with the law. This demonstrates our resolve that there will be no sacred cows and no room for impunity,” he stated.
The police commissioner also announced officers of the Panshekara division while on patrol on July 9 intercepted a vehicle without a registration plate within Kano metropolis, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and attempted to evade arrest before he was apprehended.
The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Mahi Ibrahim of Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, was searched alongside the vehicle, leading to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, a sharp knife, electric wires, 120 lithium batteries and a vehicle suspected to have been stolen.
Bakori said the suspect had been transferred to the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.
He said investigators were working to determine the origin of the firearm and other recovered items in an effort to dismantle any wider criminal network.
“This arrest validates the very reason we launched Operation Clean Plates. Vehicles without proper identification are being used to move suspicious individuals, prohibited firearms, narcotics and other dangerous items across the state,” Bakori said.
“By enforcing vehicle identification, we are cutting off a major lifeline to criminals.”
The commissioner said the operation would be sustained and intensified across the state, describing it as intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-focused in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were duly registered, display standard number plates at all times and remove any coverings or obstructions that conceal registration numbers.
Bakori also appealed to residents to cooperate with security personnel and provide credible information to assist the police in combating crime.
