The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba has banned both authorised and unathorised use of Spy Police number plates nationwide.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Force Spokesman, CSP. Muyiwa Adejobi, he noted that the Police boss directive also directs reversal to original registered number plates.

He said irrespective of whether it is authorised, or not, all authorisations are hereby revoked indefinitely.

According to Adejobi, the order is sequel to 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.

He also said that 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.

To effectively carry out the directive, Adejobi added that the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police, CPs, 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.

He stated further that 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.

However, the IGP 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.