Traffic Violation: IGP Bans VIPs, Security Agencies From Using Spy Number Plates

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali-Baba has directed a total ban on the use of Police Spy Vehicle Number Plates nationwide.

The directive, contained in a statement was signed by the Force Spokesperson, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Wednesday.

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The new order was targeted at all vehicle owners across the country as well as police officers, and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs.

The IGP noted the order “is irrespective of whether it is authorised, or not, as all authorisations are hereby revoked indefinitely”.

The police chief noted that the directive 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 statement reads in part, “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.

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“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives as contained above.

“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.

“The IGP, however, warned that while carrying out these assignments, officers must ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and by international best practices.

“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 our internal security”.

On June 7, 2021, the IGP had suspended the issuance of spy number plates.

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The directive was believed to be part of measures to curtail the menace of insecurity across the country.

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