The Rivers State Police Command has announced a renewed crackdown on vehicle-related offenses, specifically targeting the concealment of number plates and the operation of unregistered vehicles throughout the state. In a statement released on Sunday and signed by Police Public Relations Officer Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, officers were instructed to arrest and prosecute motorists who cover, alter, or drive without visible registration numbers. This directive is part of a broader security initiative aimed at curbing “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes that have surged in recent months. Police officials indicated that these measures are intended to dismantle criminal networks that exploit commercial transport routes to prey on unsuspecting passengers.
The statement emphasized that covering, altering, or driving without a plate number, as well as concealing vehicle plate numbers, is strictly prohibited. The Commissioner of Police has directed that offenders be arrested without hesitation. Additionally, the command reaffirmed an existing curfew on tricycle (keke) operations, which remains in effect from 10:00 p.m. to the early morning hours. Starting May 18, 2026, a further ban will be imposed on commercial keke-buses fitted with tinted glass or any modifications that obscure the identity of passengers or occupants. Vehicles found in violation of this rule will be impounded, and their operators will face prosecution.
Authorities have noted that this crackdown is a response to an increase in “one-chance” operations, where criminals pose as legitimate transport providers to lure victims into their vehicles. Residents are urged to avoid boarding transport in isolated or poorly lit areas, remain vigilant after dark, and, when possible, record or memorize registration numbers before entering a vehicle. The police encourage commuters to share such information with trusted contacts as an added safety measure.
This heightened enforcement reflects Rivers State’s broader effort to restore confidence in public transport and deter criminal exploitation of the sector. Police officials have called on vehicle owners and operators to regularize their documentation immediately, emphasizing that non-compliance will no longer be tolerated. The command’s actions are expected to influence similar security initiatives in other Nigerian states as authorities work to combat vehicle-related crime nationwide.
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