The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered a total ban on all use of police SPY vehicle number plates by vehicle owners across the country.

Baba stated that the ban is without exception “irrespective of whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely.”

The IGP’s directive was made known via a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, a copy of which was made available to The Star on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the ban became 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.

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

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The IGP further directed Commissioners of Police across the country and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) to give full effect to the directive.

He equally 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.”

Baba, 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.

“Other security agencies and members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with the police in this regard as the moves are aimed at strengthening our internal security,” the IGP stated.

The Star