- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Police Command is set to commenced enforcement against unmarked vehicles, unauthorised plate covering, and face concealing motorcyclists amongst other practices that aid criminal concealment and mobility.
In said bid to further strengthen public safety, curb criminal activities, and enhance crime prevention across the state, the Oyo Police Command disclosed that enforcement will take effect from Monday 11th of January, 2026.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka.
As highlighted in the statement, the Police will commence the enforcement against unmarked vehicles which are vehicles without valid registration numbers as well as vehicles or motorcycles bearing covered, blinded, defaced, fake, Dealerβs, unauthorized NANS (National Association of Nigerian Students) number plates.
This is also extended to any plate number covered without lawful authorization.
The command further declared prohibition of motorcyclists who wear hoods or cover their faces with masks while riding in a manner capable of concealing identity, warning that violators of the enforcement will be prosecuted.
“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.” The statement partly read.
In furtherance of this proactive approach, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna reportedly met with the leadership and representatives of commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) across the State.
The Commissioner, according to the statement, sensitized them on the new enforcement regime.
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.
Meanwhile, the Command noted 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.