Niger Police begin crackdown on covered, defaced number plates

The Niger State Police Command has announced the immediate enforcement of regulations against vehicles with covered, defaced or missing registration number plates across the state.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the move was aimed at addressing the growing trend of motorists deliberately concealing, tampering with or removing their vehicle number plates.

According to the command, the practice violates Section 10(3) of the Road Traffic Act 2004 and Regulation 38 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, which require all vehicles on public roads to clearly display valid registration number plates at all times.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to commence immediate enforcement of the regulations throughout the state.

The command urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered, display number plates at both the front and rear, and remove any coverings or obstructions that could hinder identification.

It also called on motorists, transport unions and members of the public to cooperate with police personnel during the enforcement exercise, describing the measure as necessary for public safety and national security.