KANO POLICE COMMENCE "OPERATION CLEAN PLATES," IMPOUND 81 VEHICLES, VOW TO SUSTAIN CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL NUMBER PLATES

KANO POLICE COMMENCE "OPERATION CLEAN PLATES," IMPOUND 81 VEHICLES, VOW TO SUSTAIN CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL NUMBER PLATES

KANO, NIGERIA – JULY 6, 2026: 

The Nigeria Police Force, Kano State Command, has launched "Operation Clean Plates," a statewide enforcement exercise aimed at eliminating vehicles with covered, defaced, or missing number plates in a bid to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the state.

Speaking during a press briefing held on Monday at the Motor Traffic Division (MTD) Office on Buk Road, the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said the operation became necessary following the increasing use of improperly identified vehicles by criminal elements to evade detection while carrying out unlawful activities.

According to the Commissioner, the Command observed an alarming rise in the number of vehicles operating with concealed registration numbers, defaced number plates, or no registration at all, describing the trend as a serious security threat rather than a mere traffic violation.

Prior to the commencement of enforcement, the Command embarked on an extensive public enlightenment campaign through radio, television, social media platforms, and interactive phone-in programmes to educate residents on the importance of proper vehicle registration and the clear display of standard number plates.

CP Bakori stated that following the awareness campaign, Operation Clean Plates was launched simultaneously across all 44 Local Government Areas of Kano State.

He disclosed that 81 vehicles found violating the law have so far been intercepted and impounded, while their drivers will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner further revealed that three additional vehicles, along with their occupants, were intercepted under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigations showed that the occupants could not provide satisfactory explanations regarding the ownership and purpose of the vehicles. He said both the suspects and the vehicles remain under investigation, assuring that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

While reiterating that the operation is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens, CP Bakori emphasized that the exercise is designed to improve public safety by ensuring that every vehicle operating within Kano State can be properly identified and traced whenever necessary.

He urged all vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are duly registered and fitted with standard number plates that are clearly visible, warning motorists to immediately remove any coverings or obstructions on their registration plates