Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Jimoh Olohundare, has imposed a total ban on covered vehicle number plates, warning that offenders will face imminent and stringent enforcement action.
The police chief further cautioned motorists against operating vehicles with tinted windscreens that obscure the front and right-side windows, as well as utilising unregistered vehicles on Lagos roads, emphasising that such practices would attract strict enforcement.
Olohundare made this disclosure on Monday while speaking with journalists after a meeting with officers and personnel of the state command, during which he conveyed directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
He emphasised the necessity for vehicle owners to register their cars promptly after purchase, noting that enforcement of the directive would be implemented in a manner that respects citizens’ rights.
“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,” the commissioner said.
According to him, the briefing was necessitated by instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, given during a meeting with senior officers earlier in March 2026, which addressed issues of discipline, supervision, and professionalism within the force.
Olohundare said the Lagos command began sensitising officers on the new directives less than 24 hours after the meeting, adding that the initiative is aimed at improving operational standards and strengthening service delivery.
He emphasised the need for effective supervision of personnel to ensure strict compliance with human rights principles and globally accepted policing practices.
The commissioner also highlighted the importance of community policing, urging officers to maintain close collaboration with residents to better understand and address security concerns in their areas.
“Community priorities must guide policing strategies,” he said, noting that officers must work with local communities to tackle emerging threats.
Olohundare further revealed that the Inspector-General had directed commands nationwide to intensify training for officers, particularly in crime prevention and security management during large public gatherings and special assignments.
He added that personnel deployed for such operations must guarantee comprehensive security coverage from the beginning to the end of their duties.
The police chief also warned that misconduct or violations of citizens’ rights by officers would not be tolerated, stressing that all personnel must uphold professionalism and respect the dignity of Nigerians.
