Ahead of the November 8 governorship election, the Anambra State Police Command has warned politicians and influential individuals who cover or remove their vehicle number plates to desist, as doing so risks arrest and prosecution.
In a statement issued yesterday, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu described the act as a serious security threat and directed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders to immediately commence intensified patrols, stop-and-search operations, and full enforcement of the directive.
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, emphasised that covering or concealing vehicle plates constitutes a grave security risk, especially as security agencies step up efforts to ensure peace and order before, during, and after the governorship election.
According to the statement, criminals often exploit unregistered or covered vehicles to perpetrate crimes, evade arrest, or destabilise public peace.
‘Such vehicles will be impounded, and their owners prosecuted in accordance with existing laws,’ the statement warned.
The commissioner further ordered all tactical units and field commanders across the state to ensure strict compliance, stressing that the Command will not tolerate any act capable of undermining public safety.
‘Given the security situation and the forthcoming election, the Command will sustain aggressive enforcement to ensure that every vehicle on Anambra roads is properly registered and identifiable,’ Orutugu added.
The police urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and report any suspicious movement or vehicles within their communities.