Police impound 81 vehicles over covered, defaced number plates in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has impounded 81 vehicles for operating with covered, defaced, or missing number plates, signaling a crackdown on a practice deemed a significant security threat. Police Commissioner Ibrahim Bakori announced the enforcement action on Monday, warning that offenders would face prosecution.

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Kano State Police Command has observed an alarming increase in the number of vehicles plying our roads with covered number plates, defaced registration numbers, or no registration at all.

Bakori explained that the use of obscured number plates is a deliberate tactic employed by criminals to commit offenses and avoid identification. "We cannot and will not allow Kano State to be used as a safe haven for such activities," he stated, emphasizing the command's commitment to public safety.

Prior to the enforcement, the police conducted extensive public sensitization campaigns across various media platforms. These efforts aimed to remind vehicle owners of their responsibility to ensure proper registration and the clear display of number plates, providing ample notice to prevent claims of ignorance.

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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 be used as a safe haven for such activities.

During the operation, three vehicles were intercepted under suspicious circumstances, with occupants unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding their purpose or ownership. These individuals and vehicles are undergoing further investigation. The police stressed that the exercise is focused on enhancing safety and ensuring all vehicles are traceable, not on harassment.

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The exercise is not about harassment but rather about their safety, and ensuring that every vehicle on our road can be identified and traced.