The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali, has ordered a total ban on the use of police SPY vehicle number plates by car owners across the states of the federation and the FCT.
The directive which takes immediate effect, is irrespective of whether a number is authorized or not, as the police says it revoked all authorisation indefinitely.
A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, states that the order was necessary to forestall the continuous disregard for traffic rules and regulations and other extant laws guiding road use by individuals hiding under the privileges of SPY police number plates.
According to Adejobi, “The IGP has therefore directed that police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the SPY number plates should ensure prompt compliance with this directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police, AIGs, to give full effect to the directives as contained above.
“The IGP specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates currently in use are confiscated henceforth but the owners of such vehicles should not be arrested unless they are police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties.”
The IGP also warned that while carrying out these assignments, officers must ensure the rights and privileges of citizens are respected in line with the laws of the land and in accordance with international best practices.
He enjoined other security agencies and members of the public to cooperate with the police in this regard stressing that the move was aimed at strengthening internal security of the country.