Motorists across Rivers State have been placed on notice as the Rivers State Police Command prepares to launch a major statewide enforcement exercise targeting vehicles operating with covered, obscured, unauthorized, defaced, or missing registration number plates.

The operation, scheduled to commence on Monday, June 15, 2026, is part of a nationwide security initiative aimed at improving public safety and preventing criminals from concealing their identities while carrying out unlawful activities.

According to the Command, the exercise is being implemented in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and will be personally supervised by the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju.

What Drivers Need to Know

The Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across Rivers State to immediately enforce the directive within their respective jurisdictions.

Under the new enforcement exercise:

Vehicles with covered number plates will be impounded.

Vehicles with obscured or altered registration numbers will be seized.

Vehicles displaying unauthorized number plates will face enforcement action.

Drivers operating vehicles without number plates risk arrest and prosecution.

Authorities say the objective is to strengthen security and make it more difficult for criminal elements to evade identification.

Police Warn Against Extortion

While announcing the exercise, the Command also issued a stern warning to officers participating in the operation.

The Commissioner emphasized that the exercise must be carried out professionally, lawfully, and with full respect for the rights of citizens. He stressed that any form of harassment, intimidation, extortion, or abuse of power will not be tolerated.

Officers found engaging in misconduct will face strict disciplinary measures.

Residents Urged to Comply

The Police Command is advising all vehicle owners to ensure their registration number plates are:

Properly affixed

Clearly visible

Free from obstruction

Untampered and legally authorized

Failure to comply could result in vehicle impoundment and prosecution under existing laws.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order while implementing proactive measures designed to improve security and protect lives and property throughout Rivers State.