By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Police Command has commenced a statewide enforcement operation against vehicles and motorcycles operating with fake, covered,
altered and unregistered number plates.
The command declared that those covering their number plates pose a serious security threat and provide cover for criminal activities across the state.
The exercise, which took effect on Monday, is in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police mr Olatunji Disu aimed at strengthening security, enhancing crime detection and preventing criminal elements from using unidentifiable vehicles to perpetrate unlawful acts.
Announcing the operation in a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodun Ojelabi, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ibrahim Gotan, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical units to immediately begin enforcement across the state’s 30 local government areas.
According to the command, the operation will specifically target vehicles and motorcycles with concealed number plates, fake registration numbers, defaced plates, unauthorized registration details and vehicles operating without proper registration.
The police explained that criminals increasingly exploit such vehicles to evade arrest and frustrate investigations, making it difficult for security agencies to trace perpetrators of crimes.
Ojelabi noted that the exercise is part of broader efforts by the command to improve public safety and strengthen the security architecture of Osun State, especially at a period when security agencies are intensifying surveillance and crime prevention measures.
He stated that proper vehicle identification remains a vital tool in modern policing, as it enables law enforcement agencies to track suspects, investigate crimes and respond effectively to security threats.
“The exercise is aimed at enhancing our capacity to identify vehicles, investigate crimes, track suspects and strengthen the security architecture of Osun State,” the police spokesman said.
The command emphasized that the operation is not designed to harass or intimidate innocent citizens but rather to ensure compliance with the law and improve public security.
Residents were assured that officers participating in the operation have been directed to act professionally and within the ambit of the law while carrying out enforcement duties.
The police further advised vehicle owners, commercial transport operators, fleet managers and motorcycle riders to ensure that their vehicles are properly registered and display clearly visible and valid number plates at all times.
Motorists were warned against covering registration numbers with stickers, decorative materials, tinted covers or any object capable of obstructing visibility, stressing that violators would face appropriate sanctions.
The command also called on members of the public to support the initiative by providing credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in identifying suspicious vehicles and criminal activities.
Security analysts have described the operation as a proactive measure capable of improving crime detection and reducing the activities of criminals who rely on unregistered and disguised vehicles to evade security checks.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the police and other security agencies to maintain peace and security across Osun State, particularly as political activities continue to gather momentum ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Observers believe that the enforcement exercise will not only enhance security but also serve as a deterrent to criminal elements who exploit loopholes in vehicle registration systems to carry out illegal operations.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that all lawful measures would continue to be adopted to ensure a safe and secure environment throughout the state.
It urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement officers and comply with vehicle registration regulations, insisting that collective vigilance remains crucial to sustaining peace and security in Osun State.
With the operation now underway, motorists across the state are expected to regularize their vehicle documentation and ensure strict compliance with registration requirements as the police intensify enforcement on major roads, highways and communities.
