Kano State Police Command has arraigned 123 drivers for operating vehicles with covered, defaced, or missing number plates since the launch of Operation Clean Plates, a crackdown aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to unregistered vehicles. The operation, which began recently, has seen police officers conduct widespread checks across all 44 local government areas in the state. Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori confirmed the arrests during a press briefing on Monday, emphasizing the importance of visible vehicle registration numbers to enhance road safety and security.
Bakori stated that the primary goal of Operation Clean Plates is to eliminate vehicles without proper identification from Kano’s roads. He explained that such vehicles are often used by criminals to evade detection, transport illegal goods, or conduct other unlawful activities. “The objective remains clear: to rid Kano State of vehicles plying our roads with covered, defaced, or no registration numbers,” he said, underscoring the seriousness of the enforcement effort.
All 123 drivers whose vehicles were intercepted have been charged to court and are undergoing prosecution under relevant laws. The police commissioner highlighted a significant breakthrough on July 9 when officers from the Panshekara Police Division stopped a vehicle without a registration plate in Kano metropolis. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Mahi Ibrahim of Rijiyar Zaki, allegedly refused to stop and attempted to flee before being apprehended.
A thorough search of the suspect and his vehicle led to the recovery of several dangerous items, including a Beretta pistol, dried leaves suspected to be cannabis, a sharp knife, electric wires, 120 lithium batteries, and a vehicle believed to have been stolen. The suspect has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further interrogation. Authorities are currently working to trace the origin of the firearm and other seized items.
Bakori stressed that this arrest demonstrates the necessity of the operation. “This arrest validates the very reason we launched ‘Operation Clean Plates’. Vehicles without proper identification are being used to move suspicious individuals, prohibited firearms, narcotics, and other dangerous items across the state,” he said. He urged all vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are properly registered and display standard number plates at all times.
The police commissioner assured the public that the operation will continue across all local government areas. He also encouraged residents to cooperate with law enforcement and report any misconduct by officers through the command’s official complaint channels. The ongoing initiative is expected to significantly improve road safety and reduce criminal activities linked to unregistered vehicles in Kano State.
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