The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Usman Baba on Monday ordered the suspension of the issuance of tainted glasses and SPY number plates permits for vehicles across the country.
Baba who disclosed this on in Abuja at a conference with Strategic Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force. stated that
SPY plate numbers were for official use of some categories of corporate bodies while tainted glasses permits were issued under siome statutory regulations.
According to him, several individuals have of late, turned the use of SPY plate numbers and tainted into status symbols and have fraudulently obtained such.
“Accordingly, henceforth, the issuance of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses permits are hereby suspended.
“The existing authorizations are being reviewed and a protocol to regulate the issuance of such permits will be evolved.
“In due course, an enforcement mechanism that will enforce the standardized process of issuance of SPY plate numbers and tainted glasses will be implemented across the country,” he said.
Baba said the Nigeria Police would work closely with the leadership of the Federal Road Safety Commission for effective implementation.
He said the practice of some motorists covering their plate numbers was inhibiting law enforcement operations in the country and would not be tolerated.
The I-G, therefore called on the Commissioners of Police (CP) across the country to ensure that motorists involved in the covering of their plate numbers were arrested.
He called on the CPs to review and strengthen security around all command Headquarters and other Police Stations in their jurisdictions with a view to deter or repel any attempt to attack the facilities.
Baba said the Nigeria Police assets were critical national security assets that must be defended against insurrectionists and arsonists as provided for in the constitution.
The I-G warned the CPs against allowing their officers to unnecessary and indiscriminate impounding of vehicles at Police Stations and mounting road blocks in their jurisdiction
He added that police facilities were not junk yards and urged the CPs to undertake major operation in their commands to clear all indiscriminately impounded vehicles of the stations so as not to expose them to attacks.
“I have been receiving reports that some CPs are still allowing the mounting of road blocks in their jurisdictions.
“For the avoidance of doubts, road blocks under any description or guise remain banned across the country and any officer found to be contravening this order will be liable and dealt with firmly.
“The society has evolved and as a law enforcement operatives, we must align our policing strategies to this societal dynamic,” he said.
He said the police management was currently reviewing the security situation ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration with a view to ensure hitch free exercise and said that
details of the review would form part of discussions in the conference of the Police Strategic Commanders
