Lagos Police Launch Crackdown on Vehicles Without Valid Number Plates

By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Police Command has announced a statewide enforcement campaign targeting vehicles that have covered, obscured, unauthorized, defaced, or missing registration number plates. The initiative aims to strengthen security and curb criminal activity across the state.

The campaign will begin on Monday, June 15, 2026, following a directive from Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The directive seeks to improve public safety and prevent criminals from hiding their identities while committing unlawful acts.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi released a statement on Sunday that the operation will be led by Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command Tijani Fatai. He has instructed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) throughout the state to enforce the directive within their jurisdictions.

Vehicles found in violation will be impounded and investigated according to existing laws and procedures.

The statement read: “The Lagos State Police Command, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, will commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorized, defaced or missing registration number plates. The exercise will begin on Monday, 15th June 2026, and will be led by Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command CP Tijani Fatai. He has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to enforce the directive and ensure full compliance within their respective Areas of Responsibility.”

The police explained that the initiative is a proactive security measure designed to enhance law‑enforcement agencies’ ability to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track suspects, and strengthen Lagos State’s overall security framework.

The command emphasized that the operation is not intended to harass or inconvenience law‑abiding motorists but to close loopholes often exploited by criminals. “The Command wishes to assure the public that this enforcement exercise is not intended to inconvenience law‑abiding motorists. Rather, it is a proactive security measure designed to enhance the capacity of police operatives to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track criminal suspects and strengthen the overall security architecture of the State,” the statement added.

Motorists, transport operators, fleet owners, and other road users are advised to ensure their vehicles carry valid and clearly visible registration number plates at all times.

The police also urged vehicle owners to keep all relevant documents up to date and readily available for inspection whenever required by law enforcement officers. Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the command called on residents to support the initiative by complying with the directive and providing useful information to security agencies.

“The Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and creating a safer environment for all residents and visitors in the State. The success of this initiative, like all policing efforts, depends largely on the cooperation and support of members of the public,” the statement said.

The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or activities through its emergency lines. “Security is a shared responsibility. The Command therefore urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities,” it stated.

The police expressed appreciation to Lagos residents for their continued cooperation and support as efforts intensify to improve security across the state.

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