The Kano State Police Command has impounded 81 vehicles for driving with covered, defaced, or no number plates, as it launched a statewide enforcement tagged “Operation Clean Plates” to curb crime and improve vehicle identification.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, disclosed this on Monday, July 6, 2026, during a press briefing held at the Motor Traffic Division (MTD) Office, BUK Road, Kano.
CP Bakori said the operation was necessitated by what he described as an “alarming increase” in vehicles plying Kano roads without proper registration, which he linked to criminal activities.
“This is not a minor traffic offence. It is a deliberate attempt to create anonymity. Criminals use such vehicles to commit crimes and escape detection. We cannot and will not allow Kano State to be used as a safe haven for such activities,” he said.
The Commissioner noted that before the crackdown, the Command carried out massive public sensitization through radio, television, social media, and phone-in programs to educate vehicle owners on the need for proper registration and clear display of number plates.
“We gave ample notice so that no one will claim ignorance,” he added.
According to CP Bakori, Operation Clean Plates is being carried out across all 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
“So far, we have intercepted 81 motor vehicles in violation. They have been impounded and the drivers will face prosecution,” he stated.
He further revealed that three additional vehicles with their occupants were intercepted under suspicious circumstances. He said the occupants failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding ownership and purpose of the vehicles.
“The suspects and the vehicles are currently being processed for further investigation. We will ensure that the law takes its full course,” the CP said.
CP Bakori assured residents that the exercise was not intended to harass motorists, but to enhance safety and ensure every vehicle on Kano roads can be identified and traced.
He urged all vehicle owners to ensure proper registration and visible standard number plates, and to remove any covering or obstruction immediately.
He also called for public cooperation and warned against acts that could disrupt law and order. Members of the public were advised to report any unprofessional conduct by officers to the Command’s Complaint Response Unit on 09134558533 or 08115657624.
The Commissioner, who was flanked by senior officers, NURTW leaders, and members of the Kano State Car Dealers Association, said the operation will continue until full compliance is achieved.
“We remain committed to intelligence-led policing and to making Kano the safest State in Nigeria under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu,” he said.