Lagos Police to Impound Vehicles with Covered or Missing Number Plates from Monday

The Lagos State Police Command has announced that it will begin a statewide enforcement operation against vehicles displaying covered, obscured, defaced, unauthorized, or missing registration number plates from Monday, June 15, 2026.

The directive, issued in line with instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, aims to strengthen public safety, improve crime detection, and prevent criminal elements from concealing their identities while operating within the state.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across Lagos have been directed to enforce the order within their respective jurisdictions. Vehicles found in violation of the directive will be impounded and subjected to investigation in accordance with existing laws and established procedures.

The police explained that the exercise is part of broader efforts to improve security and make it more difficult for criminals to use unregistered or concealed vehicles for unlawful activities. Authorities noted that visible and properly registered number plates remain critical for vehicle identification, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement operations.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, had earlier emphasized that vehicles operating without number plates or with concealed registration marks pose significant security concerns. He noted that criminal suspects often exploit such vehicles to evade detection and frustrate investigations.

The command, however, assured residents that the operation is not intended to harass law-abiding motorists. Rather, it is designed to strengthen the state’s security architecture and enhance the ability of security agencies to identify vehicles linked to criminal activities.

Motorists, transport operators, corporate fleet managers, and vehicle owners have been advised to ensure that their vehicles carry valid, duly issued, and clearly visible registration number plates at all times. Vehicle documents should also be kept current and readily available for inspection when required by law enforcement officers.

The latest enforcement drive follows earlier warnings by police authorities against the use of unregistered vehicles and covered number plates, which have been identified as recurring security risks in Lagos and other parts of the country.

As the operation begins on Monday, residents are encouraged to comply with the directive and cooperate with security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at maintaining safety and order across Nigeria’s commercial capital.