IG Bans Use of Spy Number Plates Nationwide
Inspector General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator
The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered a total ban on use of Police Spy Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the federation without exception.
A statement by Force Headquarters stated that the ban was irrespective of whether the earlier issuance was authorised or not.
It said: “All authorisations are hereby revoked indefinitely”.
Consequently, the police chief directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives.
The IG specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates currently in use were 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 statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer and Chief Supretendent of Police (CSP), Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the order became 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 IG 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,” it said.
Meanwhile, the IG has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives as contained above.
The IG 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 IG, 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,” it said.
