Lagos Police Enforce Strict Ban on Covered Number Plates and Unregistered Vehicles
The Lagos State Police Command has issued a sweeping prohibition against the use of covered vehicle number plates and unregistered vehicles on the state's roads. Commissioner of Police CP Jimoh Olohundare made this critical announcement during a press briefing on Monday, March 9, 2026, following directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Disu Olatunji.
Key Prohibitions Announced by Police Commissioner
CP Jimoh Olohundare explicitly stated that motorists in Lagos are now strictly forbidden from covering their vehicle plate numbers. Additionally, the use of tinted glasses that obscure visibility through the front and right-side windows is prohibited. The commissioner also warned against operating unregistered vehicles within the state.
"It is prohibited for anyone in Lagos to cover their plate number or to use tinted glasses where the front screen and the right screen are tinted and covered. People are also prohibited from using unregistered vehicles," CP Jimoh declared emphatically.
Background and Implementation of New Directives
The commissioner explained that this briefing was necessitated by specific directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police during a high-level meeting with police leadership in early March 2026. During this meeting, IGP Disu Olatunji emphasized the urgent need for improved professionalism, enhanced supervision, and stricter discipline within the police force nationwide.
CP Jimoh revealed that the Lagos State Command had already begun sensitizing officers about these new directives less than twenty-four hours after the IGP's meeting. The primary goal of these measures is to strengthen policing standards and significantly improve service delivery to the public.
Emphasis on Human Rights and Community Policing
The Lagos Police Commissioner stressed the absolute necessity of strict supervision of officers to ensure unwavering respect for human rights and adherence to international best practices in law enforcement. He reiterated that human rights abuses by police personnel would not be tolerated under any circumstances, and all officers must uphold the dignity and fundamental rights of every Nigerian citizen.
Furthermore, CP Jimoh highlighted the renewed importance of community policing strategies. He urged all officers to work closely and collaboratively with local residents to effectively identify and address specific security challenges within their communities. "Community priorities must guide policing strategies across the state," he asserted, underscoring the shift towards more responsive and community-focused law enforcement.
IGP's Nationwide Directives on Training and Basic Policing
CP Jimoh further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had mandated increased and comprehensive training for all police personnel, with particular focus on crime prevention techniques and advanced security management during major public events. He specified that officers deployed for special duties must ensure complete and adequate security coverage from the beginning to the very end of such assignments.
The commissioner also noted that the IGP had directed all police commands across the country to return to fundamental policing principles, which emphasize closer, more engaged interactions with members of the public. This directive aims to rebuild public trust and foster stronger police-community relationships through transparent and accountable practices.
This comprehensive enforcement initiative by the Lagos State Police Command represents a significant step towards modernizing law enforcement, enhancing road safety, and promoting a more professional and rights-respecting police force in Nigeria's most populous state.
