By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has warned motorists across the state to comply with vehicle registration regulations as it prepares to commence a statewide enforcement operation targeting vehicles with covered, obscured, altered, defaced, unregistered, or missing number plates.
In a statement made available to journalists in Calabar, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ewa E. Akata, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, said the operation is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at enhancing public safety, strengthening intelligence-led policing, and preventing criminals from using unidentifiable vehicles to perpetrate unlawful activities.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has directed Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers across the state to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts to identify and sanction violators.
The Commissioner emphasized that any vehicle found operating in violation of existing registration regulations will be subjected to thorough scrutiny, while offenders may face appropriate sanctions, including the impoundment of such vehicles in accordance with extant laws.
The command noted with concern the increasing number of vehicles plying roads across the state with concealed, defaced, or missing registration plates. It stated that this trend undermines security operations and hampers efforts to trace vehicles linked to criminal activities.
Vehicle owners and operators have therefore been advised to ensure that their registration number plates are properly affixed, clearly visible, and issued by the appropriate authorities.
Motorists are also encouraged to maintain valid vehicle documentation and comply fully with all traffic and registration requirements.
The Cross River State Police Command assured residents that the exercise is solely intended to improve security and safeguard lives and property.
Law-abiding citizens were urged to cooperate with officers carrying out the operation as the Command remains committed to creating a safer and more secure environment for all.