Police nab 89 drivers for number plate offences in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 89 drivers for not following the Inspector-General of Police's order to crack down on vehicles without registration number plates or with covered number plates. These violations are seen as a threat to local and national security.

The police also arrested two armed robbery suspects, Abdulsalam Adam and Israel Salako. They recovered a stolen vehicle and two motorcycles in operations aimed at cleaning up the state from criminals.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Saturday.

Babaseyi explained that this enforcement exercise is part of a nationwide directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu. The directive targets vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered, altered, or obscured number plates.

"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 according to existing laws and procedures, including prosecution where necessary.

"The exercise is a preventive policing initiative aimed at improving vehicle traceability, strengthening intelligence gathering, supporting quick investigations, and denying criminals the anonymity they often use to commit crimes.

"This exercise will continue across Ogun State, and all violators will face the law," he said.

Babaseyi also mentioned that the Ogere Division, along with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes, and residents, stopped an armed robbery attempt at Akuro Phase I, Ogere Remo, on Thursday.

He reported that the robbers broke into a home and stole two motorcycles, mobile phones, cash, and other valuables before trying to escape. The quick response from security operatives made the robbers abandon the motorcycles and run into a nearby bush.

"Following coordinated efforts, one suspect, Abdulsalam Adam, was arrested. He is now helping investigators with useful information. The scene was processed, and a knife, an expended cartridge, and a broken padlock were recovered as evidence," Babaseyi stated.

He added that they are still trying to catch the other fleeing gang members. The case has been sent to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers involved in the successful operations for their professionalism, vigilance, quick response, and dedication.

He emphasized that the command is committed to proactive policing through regular patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, quick responses to distress calls, community partnerships, and intelligence gathering to prevent crime before it happens.

The CP urged all drivers to fully comply with vehicle registration rules. He also advised the public to be security-conscious by only boarding commercial vehicles at official motor parks and recognized loading points.

He warned against using unbranded vehicles or private cars acting as commercial transport. He encouraged residents to share vehicle details and travel plans with trusted friends or family before traveling.

The CP also asked residents to keep supporting the police by providing timely and credible information that could prevent crime and enable quick operational responses.

He assured the people of Ogun State that the command will continue to maintain strong preventive policing strategies and keep pressure on criminals to ensure safety for all residents.