By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has placed a total ban on the use of Police SPY Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the country.
In a statement signed by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was stated that the ban which includes the seizure of of all existing Spy vehicle plates, is without exceptions.
While revoking authorization of such vehicles, the statement made it clear that the order was necessary to prevent the incessant disregard for traffic rules and laws guiding the usage of roads.
In this same vein, the IGP directed all security officers attached to VIPs to comply with the order or risk being arrested.
The statement reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has ordered a total ban on all use of Police SPY Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the states of the federation without exceptions.
“This is irrespective of whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely.
“This order is necessary to forestall the 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.
“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.”
However, IGP cautioned officers to ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices while carrying out the assignment.
Other security agencies and members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with the Police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening internal security.
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