By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Police Command has held a strategic meeting with the Car/Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, as part of proactive measures aimed at curbing vehicle theft and car snatching across the state.
The meeting, which took place at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos, was also aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Police and vehicle dealers to ensure proper documentation, change of ownership of vehicles, and the establishment of a seamless verification process capable of detecting stolen vehicles and tracing criminal elements involved in illegal vehicle transactions.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, directed that no police officer should henceforth demand Customs papers from vehicle owners during routine checks.
He warned that any officer found engaging in such unlawful acts should be reported immediately to the Command for appropriate disciplinary action.
The commissioner also engaged extensively with members of the association, who raised critical concerns and made useful suggestions geared toward enhancing public safety and improving intelligence sharing between the Police and vehicle dealers.
CP Ewah appreciated the leadership and members of the association for honouring the invitation of the Command and reaffirmed the commitment of the Police to protecting lives and property across Plateau State.
He further directed that any police officer carrying out vehicular inspection or investigation must present a valid means of identification before engaging members of the public.
The commissioner assured the association that the command would intensify monitoring and enforcement operations across the state to ensure that illegal and unregistered roadside car stands are identified and removed.
According to him, the Plateau State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The command also called on members of the public to continue cooperating with the Police and other security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Kega, commended the Commissioner of Police for the efforts made toward improving the security situation in Plateau State since assuming office.
He described the Motor Dealers Association as a well-structured and organised body operating strictly within the ambit of the law while regulating the activities of its members across the state.
Alhaji Kega further stated that all registered members of the association operate from recognised car stands, stressing that roadside vehicle dealers are not members of the association and should not be trusted.
He assured the Commissioner of Police of the association’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Plateau State Police Command toward eradicating vehicle theft and car snatching in the state.