IGP bans use of SPY number plates nationwide

*Directs reversal to originally registered number plates, seizure of SPY plates

Etim Ekpimah

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has banned the use of Police SPY Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the federation.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement with ref. Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.4/153, in Abuja on Wednesday, revoked the use of the SPY numbers for authorised and unauthorised users.

According to him, the order is necessary to prevent 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 IGP 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,” he said.

Meanwhile, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives as contained above.

He added: “The IGP 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 IGP, 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.”

Adejobi noted that other security agencies and members of the public are advised to cooperate with the Police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s internal security.