Lagos Police Tighten Security Network as Commissioner Begins Crackdown on Covered Number Plates

The Lagos State Police Command is intensifying security measures across the state, with Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai initiating a crackdown on vehicles operating with concealed or missing number plates. This directive, issued during a strategic security meeting, aims to bolster intelligence gathering and enforce regulations against a growing trend that police identify as a significant security concern.

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The growing trend of vehicles moving around without visible registration numbers is a major security concern, warning that such practices create opportunities for criminal activities and make investigations more difficult.

Fatai emphasized that vehicles without visible registration numbers create opportunities for criminal activities and complicate investigations. He stressed that all motorists must display properly affixed number plates, with exceptions only for individuals specifically authorized under existing laws and security protocols. Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) are mandated to enforce compliance within their jurisdictions, denying criminals the anonymity often exploited to perpetrate crimes.

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No vehicle should be driven on public roads without a properly displayed number plate.

Beyond enforcement, the command is expanding its stakeholder engagement programs. DPOs are directed to maintain regular interactions with residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, and transport unions to improve intelligence gathering and foster community-based policing. This collaborative approach is seen as crucial for aligning operational priorities with the Inspector General of Police's vision.

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All other motorists must comply with the law.

The police also assured residents of adequate security during upcoming electoral activities, with officers and operational assets on heightened alert. Fatai highlighted the need for inter-agency collaboration, particularly in border communities, waterways, and vulnerable locations, to address emerging threats in Lagos, a strategic economic hub. Joint security patrols are ongoing in collaboration with sister security agencies and neighboring state police commands.

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The command had expanded its stakeholder engagement programmes at both command and divisional levels to deepen collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.