IGP Alkali Usman Baba
Police ban use of SPY number plates by motorists, order nationwide enforcement
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered a total ban on all use of Police SPY number plates by vehicle owners across the country ‘without exceptions.’
According to the IGP Baba, the directive affects all vehicle owners ‘irrespective of whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely.’
A statement to that effect, released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Wednesday, quoted IGP Baba as explaining that the ‘order is necessary to forestall the continuous disregard for traffic rules and regulations and other extant laws guiding road use by individuals hiding under the privileges of SPY police number plates.’
“The IGP has therefore directed that police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the SPY number plates should ensure prompt compliance with this directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the IGP has also directed all the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as, their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), ‘to give full effect to the directives as contained above.’
“The IGP specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates currently in use are confiscated henceforth but the owners of such vehicles should not be arrested unless they are police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties.
“The IGP however warned that while carrying out these assignments, officers must ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices.
“Other security agencies and members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with the Police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening our internal security,” the statement continued.
