The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has banned the use of police SPY numbers plates by vehicle owners across the country.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, made the statement on his official Twitter page on Wednesday.

The statement titled: ‘INTERNAL SECURITY’ IGP BANS USE OF SPY NUMBER PLATES NATIONWIDE
Directs Reversal to Original Registered Number Plates, Seizure of SPY Plates.

“This is irrespective of whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely. This order is 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.

“The IGP has therefore directed that police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use d SPY no plates should ensure prompt compliance with this directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the thirty-six (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.

He further said, “The IGP however 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.”