By SCM Correspondent
LAGOS, Nigeria – In a decisive move to crack down on traffic illegality and bolster national security, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to citizens—including friends and relatives of high-ranking officers—to strictly comply with laws prohibiting unregistered vehicles and covered license plates.
The warning was delivered via a blunt, uncompromising public statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
DCP Adejobi made it explicitly clear that the law will be enforced without fear or favor, pre-emptively warning his own inner circle that he will not intervene or bail out anyone caught violating the directive.
”The order and the law on unregistered vehicle or covered number plate are clear and loud enough,” Adejobi stated. “I wish to appeal to my kinsmen, friends and close associates to be guided by this development and avoid violating the law. Let’s all do the right thing, do the needful without delay.”
Zero Tolerance for Influence Peddling
In Nigeria, the culture of “calling a highly placed officer” to escape traffic penalties or arrest is a long-standing challenge for low-ranking law enforcers.
However, Adejobi sought to dismantle that expectation, drawing a firm line between his personal relationships and his constitutional duties.
He categorically warned that any associate who breaches the law will be left to face the legal consequences independently.
”If you are caught in the web, don’t even bother to call me to help beg any Police officer or law enforcer while performing his or her duty,” the Force PRO warned. “If you run foul of the law, you will face the full weight of the law. Don’t bother to make any call to me.”
Upholding the Oath of Office
Reaffirming his commitment to the ethics of the Nigeria Police Force, Adejobi emphasized that his primary allegiance is to justice and the rule of law, not cronyism.
On Duty: “I am a law enforcer. That is what I signed for.”
On Justice: “My duty is to enforce the law, not to pervert justice or encourage violation of the law.”
The Deputy Commissioner concluded his statement with a broad appeal to the general public to foster a culture of lawfulness, urging Nigerians to collectively reject acts that compromise societal security.
”Let’s all be guided and warn against criminality and inappropriate behaviors in our society. Ire oo (Good luck),” he said.
The clampdown on covered number plates and unregistered vehicles comes amid heightened security measures across the federation.
Security experts have frequently pointed out that vehicles lacking proper identification are routinely used by criminal elements, including kidnappers and armed robbers, to evade detection.
With this latest warning, the Police high command is signaling to the public that the grace period is over, and the drive for accountability will begin from the top down.
Unregistered Vehicles