The Cross River State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement operation against vehicles operating with unregistered, concealed, defaced, altered, or missing registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities.
The command said the exercise was in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing intelligence-led policing and preventing criminal elements from exploiting unidentifiable vehicles to perpetrate crimes.
In a statement issued on Monday in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Akata, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Rashid Afegbua, had directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts across the state.
According to the statement, any vehicle found operating in violation of existing registration regulations will be subjected to scrutiny, while offenders may face sanctions, including the impoundment of such vehicles in accordance with the law.
The command expressed concern over the growing number of vehicles plying roads in the state with concealed, defaced or absent registration plates, noting that the trend poses a challenge to security operations and frustrates efforts to track vehicles linked to criminal activities.
It advised vehicle owners and operators to ensure that their registration number plates are properly affixed, clearly visible and issued by the appropriate authorities.
The police also urged motorists to maintain valid vehicle documentation and comply with all traffic and registration requirements to avoid sanctions during the enforcement exercise.
The command assured residents that the operation was solely intended to improve security and safeguard lives and property, while calling on law-abiding citizens to cooperate with officers carrying out the exercise.
“The Command remains committed to creating a safer environment for all residents of Cross River State,” the statement added.