The Kwara State Police Command has announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation against vehicles displaying fake, covered, obscured, altered, defaced, unauthorised, or no registration number plates as part of efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the state.

The command stated that the exercise, which began on Monday, is in strict compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at preventing criminal elements from concealing their identities and movements through the use of improperly registered vehicles.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo.

The statement read: "The Kwara State Police Command, in strict compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and in furtherance of efforts to strengthen public safety and deny criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities and operations, will commence a statewide enforcement exercise against vehicles with covered, obscured, unauthorised, defaced, altered or no registration number plates."

According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and the State Traffic Officer to immediately commence full-scale enforcement across their respective areas of responsibility to ensure total compliance with the directive.

"The enforcement operation will begin on Monday, 15 June 2026. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and the State Traffic Officer to immediately commence full-scale enforcement across their respective Areas of Responsibility and ensure total compliance with this directive.

"The Commissioner of Police has further ordered that any vehicle found in violation of the directive shall be impounded and subjected to thorough investigation in accordance with extant laws and established procedures," the statement added.

The police stressed that there would be no exemptions or preferential treatment for any individual or organisation found contravening the directive, irrespective of status, position, or influence.

"The Command wishes to state unequivocally that there will be no preferential treatment, exemption, or special consideration for any individual or organisation found contravening this directive, irrespective of status, position, or influence. The law will be applied fairly, firmly, and without compromise.

"Motorists and vehicle owners are therefore strongly advised to remove any covering or obstruction on their number plates and ensure that only duly issued, valid, and clearly visible registration plates are displayed on their vehicles at all times," the command stated.

The police explained that the exercise was a proactive security measure designed to improve vehicle identification, aid criminal investigations, track fleeing suspects, and strengthen the overall security architecture of the state.

"This exercise is not intended to inconvenience law-abiding citizens. Still, it is a deliberate and proactive security measure aimed at improving the identification of vehicles, enhancing criminal investigations, tracking fleeing suspects, and strengthening the overall security architecture of Kwara State," the statement noted.

The police further warned that anyone who deliberately covers, tampers with, alters, or operates a vehicle without proper registration number plates would face the full weight of the law.

While reaffirming its commitment to protecting lives and property, the command urged residents to support the initiative and report suspicious persons, vehicles, movements, or activities through its emergency lines.