By Adewole Kehinde
The directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during the monthly conference with strategic senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, to intensify enforcement operations against unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed registration numbers is both timely and commendable. It reflects the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening public safety, enhancing crime prevention, and ensuring accountability on Nigerian roads.
The IGP was unequivocal in his directive. He emphasized that there shall be no preferential treatment or selective enforcement, stressing that the law must apply equally to all citizens regardless of status or influence. According to him, anyone who chooses to disregard the directive will face the full consequences of the law. This firm position deserves widespread support because properly registered vehicles remain a critical component of effective policing, intelligence gathering, crime detection, and national security.
While the Inspector-General’s directive is now being implemented nationwide, it is important to acknowledge that the Delta State Police Command, under the operational leadership of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had long recognized the importance of this enforcement initiative and had already taken decisive steps to address the menace of unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed registration numbers.
Since assuming office as the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Delta State, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to law enforcement and public safety. One of the notable aspects of his operational strategy has been the sustained enforcement against vehicles operating without registration numbers or with deliberately covered plate numbers across the state.
This proactive approach deserves commendation because vehicles with concealed or absent registration numbers have often been exploited by criminals to evade detection and accountability. By targeting such violations, the Delta State Police Command has not only strengthened road safety but has also enhanced the state’s security architecture.
Equally commendable is the support provided by the Delta State Government to complement these enforcement efforts. Recognizing the need for swift and effective prosecution of traffic offenders, the state government approved and activated mobile courts across the state to summarily try and prosecute offenders.
These mobile courts, operating in major cities such as Asaba, Warri, Effurun, Sapele, Ughelli, and Agbor, are presided over by designated magistrates and judges who ensure that justice is dispensed promptly and in accordance with the law. Their establishment has significantly strengthened compliance with traffic regulations and reduced the culture of impunity often associated with road traffic offences.
The impact of the mobile courts has been evident. Through coordinated enforcement operations conducted across Asaba, Warri, Okwe, and other parts of the state, authorities have successfully secured convictions against dozens of motorists for various offences, including driving vehicles with covered number plates, operating without vehicle registration numbers, and other traffic-related violations.
The penalties imposed by the courts have included substantial fines and, in certain cases, custodial sentences. These sanctions have sent a strong message that disregard for traffic regulations will no longer be tolerated and that violators will be held accountable under the law.
What makes the achievements of the Delta State Police Command particularly noteworthy is that these enforcement actions were already being vigorously implemented before the Inspector-General’s latest nationwide emphasis on the issue. This demonstrates foresight, professionalism, and a clear understanding of the security implications associated with unregistered vehicles and concealed registration numbers.
The leadership of DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in coordinating these operations deserves special recognition. His operational discipline, strategic deployment of personnel, and insistence on professionalism have ensured that the enforcement exercises are conducted within the bounds of the law while maintaining public confidence in the police.
The Delta State Police Command has shown that effective law enforcement is achievable when there is strong leadership, institutional support, and unwavering commitment to public safety. Their efforts have created a model worthy of emulation by police commands across the federation.
As other state commands begin to implement the Inspector-General’s directive, they would do well to study the Delta State example. The combination of proactive enforcement, government support through functional mobile courts, and professional policing has yielded positive results and contributed significantly to public order and security.
I therefore commend the Delta State Police Command and, in particular, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi for their professionalism, dedication, and foresight in tackling the challenge posed by unregistered vehicles and vehicles with concealed registration numbers. Their efforts have demonstrated that consistent enforcement of the law can produce meaningful results and enhance public safety.
As the Nigeria Police Force intensifies this campaign nationwide, I urge other state commands to emulate the Delta State model. Uniform and professional enforcement of vehicle registration laws across the country will not only improve road safety but also strengthen national security and reinforce respect for the rule of law.
The Delta State Police Command has raised the bar. It is now up to others to follow its example.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and advocate for good governance and security sector reforms. E-mail: kennyadewole@gmail.com X: @kennyadewole 08166240846
