THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced that it will commence full enforcement of the ban on covered, obscured, or altered vehicle number plates across the state effective Friday, October 10, 2025.
The directive, issued on Thursday in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, sent to News Point Nigeria, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, MNIPR, fsi, mandates all motorists including private vehicle owners, commercial drivers, government officials, VIP convoys, and even security agencies to comply fully or face strict sanctions.
According to the Command, the ban applies “absolutely and without exception” to all classes of vehicles, including those owned by federal and state governments, security operatives, and very important personalities (VIPs).
The police noted that many criminal elements have resorted to using vehicles with covered or tampered number plates to conceal their identities while committing crimes such as kidnapping, robbery, and political thuggery.
“Some persons hide inside vehicles with covered number plates to act and commit offences that are against the law,” the statement said.
“Hence, the ban is critical to the security of the state as it will enhance public safety, promote law and order, and strengthen the command’s crime-fighting initiatives.”
The statement further clarified that the prohibition includes:
The use of dark plastic covers, tinted films, or fabrics that make number plates illegible;
The use of faded, dirty, or damaged plates that obscure visibility;
The alteration of any character on a plate; and
The use of unauthorized or non-government-issued number plates.
The Command emphasized that enforcement will be strict and uncompromising, warning that any vehicle found violating the order will be immediately impounded and offending drivers prosecuted according to traffic laws and national road regulations.
Motorists have been given a one-day grace period until Thursday, October 9, 2025 — to ensure full compliance.
Drivers are urged to remove any form of number plate cover, clean their plates, and ensure that the registration numbers are clearly visible and legible from a reasonable distance.
“From the commencement date, any vehicle found in violation of the ban will be immediately impounded, and drivers will face penalties as prescribed by the relevant traffic laws and regulations,” DSP Timfon John stated.
The Police Command specifically cautioned aides of public office holders, political appointees, and security escorts often seen using tinted SUVs with covered plates, warning that no individual or group will be above the law during the enforcement exercise.
“We urge all vehicle owners, drivers, and particularly the aides of public office holders to ensure strict adherence to this directive. The cooperation of the public is vital to ensuring the success of this security measure,” the statement added.
The Command reiterated that the initiative is not a punitive action but a preventive and security-driven measure aimed at enhancing transparency on the roads and strengthening security surveillance in Akwa Ibom State.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all residents of Akwa Ibom State,” the statement concluded.