The inspector-general of police, IGP Usman Baba, has announced the immediate suspension of tinted vehicle permits and issuance of SPY plate numbers across the country.
The IGP, who announced this during a meeting with senior police officers including DIGs and Commissioners from across the states yesterday, said some mischievous persons have capitalized on the license to commit heinous crimes
IGP Baba also reiterated that roadblocks remain banned in the country and warned that heads of commands must enforce it and key into the road patrol strategy as an alternative to roadblocks.
According to the IGP, “I have also received reports of the abuses associated with the use of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses. For the avoidance of doubts, SPY plate numbers are for official use of some categories of corporate bodies, while tainted glasses permits are issued under some statutory regulations.
” Unfortunately, several individuals have of late turn the use of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses into a status symbol and have fraudulently obtained such. There have also been reports that some criminal elements are also utilising them as cover for their nefarious activities.
“Accordingly, henceforth, the issuance of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses permits are hereby suspended. The existing authorisations are being reviewed and a protocol to regulate the issuance of such permits will be evolved. In due course an enforcement mechanism that will enforce the standardised process of issuance of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses will be implemented across the country. The Nigeria Police will work closely with the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Commission in this regard.
” An emerging trend in which some motorists cover their plate numbers has also been noticed across the country. This practice inhibits our law enforcement operations and hence, is_ intolerable. Consequently, commissioners of police are tasked to as part of their operations, to arrest any motorist involved in this act.
“The compliance to this directive shall be confirmed in the course of my ongoing tours to your commands and any Departmental Head, Zonal commander, Commissioner of Police or Unit Head that is found wanting will be dealt with.”
The IGP also said the police arrested 686 high profile suspects in two months during various police operations across the country.
According to him, “between April and May, 2021, a total of 686 high-profile suspects have been arrested during various police operations across the country. The arrested suspects comprise mainly of bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers. They also include the principal suspects involved in the attack of governor Samuel Ortom on March 20, 2021.
“Similarly, a total of 152 kidnapped victims including the students kidnapped at the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization Kaduna have also been safely rescued by the Police during this period. Furthermore, 231 assorted firearms.
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