FCT Police Warn Against Unlicensed, Concealed Vehicle Number Plates
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned motorists and vehicle owners against using unlicensed vehicles, concealed or faded number plates, and fake diplomatic registration numbers within the territory.
The warning was issued by the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, following concerns over the increasing use of vehicles with obscured or invalid number plates, which the police said could undermine security operations.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the police said some criminal elements were allegedly using such vehicles to evade identification, detection and arrest while committing offences.
The Command particularly cautioned motorists driving Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) against concealing their number plates, except where such vehicles are being used by top government officials in accordance with applicable regulations.
The police also warned residents against using fake diplomatic number plates or allowing unauthorised persons to operate vehicles bearing such plates within the FCT.
According to the statement, the peculiar security environment in Abuja makes proper vehicle identification essential for effective policing.
“The Federal Capital Territory is a peculiar environment where the use of such vehicles poses significant security concerns, as it may hinder effective identification and tracking by law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.
The Commissioner directed police officers across the FCT to intensify enforcement of laws governing vehicle registration and number plates.
He warned that motorists found violating the regulations would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
However, the Command instructed officers involved in the enforcement exercise to conduct their duties professionally and avoid using the operation as an avenue for extortion.
The police urged residents to cooperate with the enforcement exercise and report suspicious vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08028940883.
The Command reiterated that security is a collective responsibility and called on members of the public to support efforts aimed at improving safety across the FCT.
