The Kano State Police Command has intercepted 81 vehicles for offences ranging from the use of improperly displayed number plates to operating without registration as part of its ongoing Operation Clean Plates aimed at enhancing security across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing at the Motor Traffic Division (MTD) headquarters in Kano.
Bakori said the operation was launched after an extensive public enlightenment campaign to educate motorists on the need to properly register their vehicles and display standard number plates.
According to him, the command utilised radio, television, social media platforms and live phone-in programmes to sensitise residents before the enforcement exercise commenced.
He said, “This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to become a safe haven for such activities.”
The police commissioner explained that the enforcement exercise is being conducted simultaneously across the 44 local government areas of the state.
“So far, we have intercepted 81 motor vehicles in violation. They have been impounded and the drivers will face prosecution,” he said.
Bakori also disclosed that three vehicles conveying occupants under suspicious circumstances were intercepted during the operation, noting that, preliminary investigations revealed that the occupants could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles.
“The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” he added.
The commissioner stressed that the operation was not intended to harass law-abiding residents but to improve public safety by ensuring that every vehicle on the road could be properly identified and traced.
He urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles were duly registered and fitted with standard number plates displayed without any obstruction.
Bakori also called on residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any act capable of disrupting public peace, while encouraging members of the public to report unprofessional conduct by police officers through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, adding that the operation would continue until full compliance is achieved.
