*Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba says the ban is applicable to all road users in the country without exceptions

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Usman Alkali Baba, has banned the use of SPY number plates by vehicle owners nationwide.

The Police Chief said the objective is to forestall the continuous disregard for traffic rules in Nigeria.

CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), who disclosed this development in a statement issued Wednesday, July 13, 2022,  in Abuja, FCT, said Babanoted that the ban is applicable to all road users in the country without exceptions.

According to him, it is also to the continuous disregard for extant laws guiding road use by individuals hiding under the privileges of SPY police number plates.

Baba directed police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the SPY number plates to ensure prompt compliance or risk being arrested for violation.

The statement also said the IGP had ordered Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the states and the FCT, and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) to give full effect to the directive.

Baba directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure confiscation of all SPY number plates currently in use without arrest of owners of such vehicles.

Arrest could be made when such vehicles were with police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties, Adejobi further stated.

The Police Chief, therefore, enjoined Officers and Men of the Force to respect the rights and privileges of citizens in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices in carrying out the assignment.

Baba as well urged other security agencies and the public to cooperate with the Nigeria Police in enforcing the ban.

The latest measures are designed to strengthen internal security in the country, said he.