The FCT Police Command has directed officers to arrest and immediately prosecute motorists operating vehicles without valid licence plates or using concealed, faded or unauthorised number plates in the Federal Capital Territory. The directive followed concerns raised by the Command over the increasing number of vehicles being driven without properly displayed licence plates in Abuja. […]
The FCT Police Command has directed officers to arrest and immediately prosecute motorists operating vehicles without valid licence plates or using concealed, faded or unauthorised number plates in the Federal Capital Territory.
The directive followed concerns raised by the Command over the increasing number of vehicles being driven without properly displayed licence plates in Abuja.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, issued the warning, stressing that vehicle owners and motorists must comply with existing laws on vehicle licensing and identification.
The Command also warned against the use of fake diplomatic number plates and diplomatic plates by people who are not authorised to use them within the Federal Capital Territory.
The Police specifically expressed concern about vehicles, including SUVs, with concealed number plates, with an exception stated in the release for top government officials.
According to the Command, some vehicles with concealed or missing plates have been observed being used by criminal elements to avoid detection and identification by security agencies.
The Police said the situation is particularly concerning in the FCT because concealed or missing number plates can make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify and track vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Sanusi consequently ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of motorists found violating the relevant laws.
He also directed police officers across the FCT to strengthen enforcement and ensure motorists comply with the regulations governing vehicle licensing and licence plates.
The Commissioner, however, instructed officers to conduct the enforcement professionally, warning that the exercise must not be turned into an opportunity for extortion.
The Command appealed to residents to support the police during the enforcement exercise, noting that maintaining security in the capital requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Residents were further advised to report suspicious vehicles and activities to the nearest police station or contact the FCT Police Command through its emergency lines.
The emergency numbers provided by the Command are 08032003913 and 08028940883.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, ANIPR, MIPRA, on October 4, 2026.