Niger Police drag motorists to court as 82 vehicles fall in tinted glass, number plate crackdown

The Niger State Police Command has prosecuted several motorists after intercepting 82 vehicles during an ongoing statewide enforcement against unregistered vehicles, defaced number plates and illegal tinted glass.

The crackdown, which began on June 20, 2026, is part of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to tighten security and curb crimes committed with vehicles whose identities are concealed.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the operation targeted vehicles operating without registration number plates, with obscured or defaced plates, and those fitted with tinted glass in violation of the law.

He said while some motorists were cleared after screening, those found to have breached the law were investigated and arraigned before courts of competent jurisdiction.

According to the police, criminals often exploit unregistered vehicles, concealed number plates and tinted glass to evade detection while carrying out kidnappings, robberies and other crimes, making the enforcement critical to public safety.

Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, said the exercise was not meant to harass law-abiding residents but to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve vehicle identification and enhance the state’s security architecture.

He urged vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and display visible number plates at all times, warning that the enforcement would be sustained across the state.

The police also encouraged members of the public to report complaints or observations through the Command’s emergency lines for prompt intervention.