Ogun, Delta Police Commands Confiscate 120 Vehicles Over Plate Offences

Law enforcement agencies in Ogun and Delta states have collectively seized 120 vehicles as part of a heightened campaign to enforce the Inspector-General of Police’s directive. This directive specifically targets vehicles operating without official registration number plates or those with obscured, altered, or covered plates. The enforcement operations are designed to bolster vehicle traceability, enhance intelligence gathering, and eliminate the anonymity often exploited by criminals.

In Ogun State, the intensified crackdown resulted in the arrest of 89 drivers. Oluseyi Babaseyi, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Saturday confirming that these actions were a direct consequence of the nationwide directive from Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. Babaseyi stated, “During the operations, 89 vehicles and their drivers were apprehended for violating the directive. Appropriate administrative and legal actions have been taken against the offenders in accordance with extant laws and established procedures, including prosecution where applicable.”

He further elaborated that “The exercise is a strategic preventive policing initiative designed to improve vehicle traceability, strengthen intelligence gathering, support prompt investigation, and deny criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in the commission of crimes.” Babaseyi affirmed that this enforcement drive would continue across Ogun State, with all defaulters facing legal repercussions.

Beyond the number plate enforcement, Babaseyi also disclosed that the command successfully apprehended two suspected armed robbers, Abdusalam Adam and Israel Salako. These arrests occurred during separate operations that also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Camry and two motorcycles.

One incident involved operatives from the Ogere Division, who, in collaboration with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes, and community residents, foiled an armed robbery at Akuro Phase I, Ogere Remo, on Thursday. Robbers had invaded a residence, making off with two motorcycles, mobile phones, cash, and other valuables. However, the swift deployment of security personnel compelled the suspects to abandon the motorcycles and flee into a nearby bush.

Subsequent coordinated search efforts led to the arrest of Abdulsalam Adam, who is currently providing useful information to investigators. The scene was processed, and a knife, an expended cartridge, and a broken padlock were recovered as exhibits, Babaseyi confirmed. He added that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the fleeing gang, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation.

Similarly, on July 2, operatives of the Ajuwon Division responded to a distress call regarding an armed robbery incident at Baale Akinosi Area, Ajuwon. In this instance, hoodlums had carted away mobile phones, jewellery, power banks, a laptop, a Toyota Camry, and other valuables.

The division’s Anti-Crime Team launched a coordinated operation, and during a hot pursuit, the fleeing suspects abandoned the stolen vehicle. Israel Salako was arrested during this operation and is now assisting investigators, with efforts ongoing to arrest the remaining gang members and recover the stolen items.

In Delta State, the Police Command also impounded 31 vehicles during an enforcement operation targeting traffic and vehicle registration offences. Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, stated that these vehicles were seized during a coordinated crime prevention patrol conducted in Agbor on Friday.

Edafe explained that the operation, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, covered the Agbor metropolis, major highways, entry and exit points, and border communities between Delta and Edo states.

The impounded vehicles were cited for various infractions, including the non-display of registration number plates, obscured or covered number plates, expired vehicle particulars, and other traffic-related violations. Edafe confirmed that the owners of these vehicles would be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.

The police spokesman clarified that the operation aimed to reinforce police presence, deter criminal activities, ensure compliance with traffic and vehicle registration laws, and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate. Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and strategic enforcement operations across the state. He urged motorists to comply with traffic and vehicle registration requirements, emphasizing that strict enforcement is essential for public safety, crime prevention, and the maintenance of law and order.