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The Benue State Police Command has commenced a statewide operation targeting vehicles operating with hidden, tampered, defaced, or unauthorised number plates, as well as those that are not properly registered.
The enforcement exercise, which started on Thursday, June 18, 2026, is in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police and is aimed at improving national security and strengthening crime prevention strategies.Benue Police Begin Crackdown on Unregistered, Obscured Number Plate Vehicles
The Benue State Police Command has announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced number plates, as well as unregistered vehicles across the state.
The exercise, which began on Thursday, June 18, 2026, follows a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, aimed at strengthening security and enhancing crime prevention efforts nationwide.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command said the operation is designed to address growing security concerns associated with the use of such vehicles by criminal elements to evade identification and perpetrate unlawful activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to ensure strict, coordinated, and professional implementation of the exercise across the state.
According to the Command, the use of vehicles without proper registration or with concealed and altered number plates poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies by hindering crime detection, investigation, and public safety efforts.
The police therefore urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and fitted with valid, clearly visible registration number plates. Vehicle owners were also advised to keep all vehicle documents up to date and available for inspection when required.
The Command emphasized that the exercise is not intended to harass law-abiding citizens but is a proactive security measure aimed at improving public safety and supporting effective policing.
CP Nwadiogbu further warned officers participating in the operation against extortion, harassment, or any form of misconduct, stressing that violators would face disciplinary action.
The police also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
The Command reiterated that security remains a collective responsibility and urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and order across Benue State.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command explained that the operation is a response to rising security risks linked to the use of such vehicles by criminals to avoid detection while carrying out illegal activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, has instructed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Units, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) to ensure the exercise is carried out strictly, professionally, and in a coordinated manner across the state.
The Command noted that vehicles without proper registration or those with concealed or altered plates create serious obstacles for security agencies, making it difficult to track offenders, conduct investigations, and maintain public safety.
Motorists were therefore advised to ensure their vehicles are duly registered, fitted with valid number plates that are clearly visible, and to keep all relevant documents updated and ready for inspection when required.
Authorities further stressed that the initiative is not meant to intimidate or harass law-abiding citizens, but rather to serve as a preventive security measure to enhance safety and support effective policing operations.
CP Nwadiogbu also cautioned officers involved in the exercise against any form of misconduct, including extortion or harassment, warning that anyone found culpable would face disciplinary action.
Residents were encouraged to stay alert and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious individuals, vehicles, or activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency contact channels.
The Command reaffirmed that maintaining security is a shared responsibility and urged members of the public to support law enforcement efforts in sustaining peace and order across Benue State.
