The Oyo State Police Command is set to begin a statewide arrest and seizure of vehicles without registration numbers in an enforcement operation targeted at eliminating practices that aid criminal concealment and mobility.
The commencement, which takes effect from Monday, January 12, 2026, was approved by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Femi Haruna as part of the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led, and preventive policing.
Affected by the enforcement are vehicles without valid registration numbers, vehicles or motorcycles bearing covered, blinded, defaced, fake, dealer’s, unauthorised National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) number plates, or any number plate covered without lawful authorisation.
Also, motorcyclists who wear hoods or cover their faces with masks while riding in a manner capable of concealing identity, will be arrested.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who made this known in a statement on Friday, said that it was a move to strengthen public safety, curb criminal activities and enhance crime prevention.
Ayanlade said that the measures became imperative “following credible intelligence and operational assessments which reveal that criminal elements increasingly exploit unmarked vehicles, fake, blinded, defaced, or unlawfully covered number plates, as well as disguised motorcyclists, to evade detection and perpetrate crimes within communities.”
“Henceforth, any person found violating these directives shall be arrested, while the vehicle or motorcycle involved shall be impounded, and suspects prosecuted accordingly upon the conclusion of investigations.”
He disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had earlier met with the leadership and representatives of commercial motorcyclists across the state and sensitised them on the new enforcement regime.
“During the engagement, the CP issued a stern warning that any individual or group found using motorcycles as cover for criminal activities will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“To enhance collaboration, he also shared his personal contact with the leadership of the union to encourage the timely flow of credible intelligence, assuring them of confidentiality and swift police response,” Ayanlade added in the statement.
The Command emphasised that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven patrols remain lawful and effective tools for crime prevention, and operatives will continue to be deployed strategically across the state in the interest of public safety.
The Commandreassured the state residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, which prioritises proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and strong partnership with the public.
It enjoined members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious, urging them to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station, security post, or through the Command’s emergency lines.
Nigerian Tribune