By Adeyinka Adeniran
Police authorities in Oyo State said it will from Monday, December 12th commence statewide enforcement against unmarked vehicles, fake or blinded number plates, unauthorised plate covering and face-concealing motorcyclists among others.
The Command said the enforcement is part of proactive security measures to further strengthen public safety, curb criminal activities, and enhance crime prevention across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement said, “As part of the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led, and preventive policing, the Commissioner of Police has approved the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeted at eliminating practices that aid criminal concealment and mobility.
“Consequently, with effect from Monday, 12th January, 2026, the Command shall begin full enforcement against:
“Unmarked vehicles (vehicles without valid registration numbers); vehicles or motorcycles bearing covered, blinded, defaced, fake, dealer’s, unauthorized NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students) number plates, or any plate number covered without lawful authorization; and motorcyclists who wear hoods or cover their faces with masks while riding in a manner capable of concealing identity.
“Henceforth, any person found violating these directives shall be arrested, while the vehicle or motorcycle involved shall be impounded, and suspects prosecuted accordingly upon the conclusion of investigations.
“These measures have become imperative following credible intelligence and operational assessments which reveal that criminal elements increasingly exploit unmarked vehicles, fake, blinded, defaced, or unlawfully covered number plates, as well as disguised motorcyclists, to evade detection and perpetrate crimes within communities.”
He said further, “In furtherance of this proactive approach, the Commissioner of Police earlier met with the leadership and representatives of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) across the State, where he sensitized them on the new enforcement regime.
“During the engagement, the CP issued a stern warning that any individual or group found using motorcycles as cover for criminal activities will be made to face the full weight of the law.
“To enhance collaboration, he also shared his personal contact with the leadership of the union to encourage the timely flow of credible intelligence, assuring them of confidentiality and swift Police response.
“The Command emphasizes that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints, and intelligence-driven patrols remain lawful and effective tools for crime prevention, and they will continue to be deployed strategically across the State in the interest of public safety.”
The Command reassures the people of the state of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, in line with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, which prioritizes proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and strong partnership with the public.
He enjoinef the members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police station, Security Post, or through the Command’s emergency lines, saying “together, we can sustain peace and security across Oyo state.”
