The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of individuals using covered vehicle number plates in violation of existing regulations.

Fatai gave the directive during a strategic security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and tactical commanders at the Officers’ Mess in Ikeja.

He warned that unauthorised use of covered number plates would not be tolerated, stressing that only legally permitted individuals could use them.

The commissioner directed enforcement teams across the state to ensure strict compliance with the regulation and deal decisively with violators.

​According to him, the measure aims to strengthen security operations and enhance crime detection throughout the state.

Fatai said the enforcement followed a directive by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, at a meeting to assess recent security situations across the country.

He said the ban on the use of such vehicles was part of measures to address emerging threats, noting that criminals were using such vehicles to execute their plans.

“All vehicles plying the roads must have valid and visible number plates. No vehicle should be driven without a number plate or with a concealed number plate.

“Any vehicle found on the road without a number plate or with its number plate covered will be impounded.

Fatai also reviewed the security situation in Lagos State, assessing strategies aimed at sustaining peace and addressing emerging security challenges.

He directed senior officers to intensify intelligence gathering, strengthen community policing, and deepen collaboration with other security agencies.

​The police chief stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing, noting that local information remained vital to crime prevention.

​”Effective policing cannot be achieved without active public participation. Information from communities remains critical to preventing crime,” he said.

​He urged officers to strengthen engagement with residents and community leaders, building public trust through professionalism and prompt responses.

​Tijani called for enhanced visibility policing, encouraging residents to actively participate in safeguarding their various communities.

​He further emphasised the need for stronger inter-agency collaboration, particularly in border areas, to prevent criminal infiltration into Lagos State.

​He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of security threats, improved communication, and regular capacity-building programmes for officers.

​The commissioner urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined, and deeply committed in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

​He assured residents that the command would continue strengthening operational strategies and partnerships to ensure safety across the state.

“We have observed that some vehicles used by criminal elements are either unregistered or have their number plates deliberately concealed. This will no longer be tolerated.

“Only categories of persons expressly permitted by law to conceal their number plates are exempted. Such exemptions are known to security agencies.

“Apart from these legally recognised exemptions, no other person is permitted to cover a vehicle’s number plate,” he said.

The police boss said operatives have been directed to arrest anyone driving a vehicle without a number plate or with a concealed number plate.

According to him, additional security measures were also discussed at the meeting with IGP Disu aimed at combating criminality and preventing the infiltration of terrorists and other criminal elements.

“Community policing remains a major focus. We have directed that engagements with members of the public should not be limited to command headquarters but should extend to divisional and grassroots levels.

“DPOs have been instructed to strengthen collaboration with residents in their respective areas to improve information sharing and enhance local security.

“The Lagos State Police Command will continue to hold regular meetings with community stakeholders at both the command and grassroots levels,” he said.

Asked if traditional rulers were among those authorised to conceal their plate numbers, CP Fatai said: “No, traditional rulers are not exempted. There are only specific categories of persons recognised by law and security authorities who may enjoy such privileges. We have records of those categories.”

He said the IGP stressed the need for operatives to be alert and proactive in preventing the infiltration of criminals into any part of the country.

“The Inspector General of Police also discussed preparations for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State. The police are fully prepared, and officers have been directed to remain vigilant and ensure adequate security during the exercise,” he said.