Lagos Police Seize 50 Vehicles on First Day of New Number Plate Enforcement

By Matthew Johnson

On Monday, the Lagos State Police Command seized 50 vehicles as part of its first day of enforcing a ban on covered, obscured, and unauthorised vehicle registration plates.

The operation follows a directive from Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to enhance security and curb the use of concealed plates in criminal activity.

Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, CP Fatai Tijani, led the effort in Ikoyi, where several offending vehicles were impounded. Police teams from multiple Area Commands were deployed to key locations across the state, resulting in additional arrests and vehicle seizures.

During the operation, CP Tijani explained that the command had issued warnings to motorists in the preceding week. “We have been warning motorists since last week to display their number plates properly and stop covering them. Today, we have begun enforcement. My officers and I went out this morning and arrested motorists who failed to fix their plate numbers or deliberately covered them,” he said.

He added that the law applies to all motorists except those specifically exempted, and that offenders may face prosecution. “There are no exceptions apart from those exempted by law. The law will take its course. There is every possibility of prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

The commissioner highlighted the security risks posed by concealed or missing plates, noting that they hinder surveillance systems and make it easier for criminals to operate undetected. “There are many dangers inherent in not using number plates or covering them. Criminals can use such vehicles for unlawful activities, and road surveillance cameras will be unable to identify them. Even stolen vehicles become difficult to track. This is why we are taking this enforcement seriously,” he added.

CP Tijani reported that the seized vehicles were moved to the command headquarters, while other offenders were processed at divisional and Area Command levels. He warned that the enforcement campaign would continue statewide as part of ongoing efforts to improve security and strengthen crime detection and prevention.

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