The Lagos State Police Command has announced a strict ban on motorists who cover their vehicle number plates, warning that officers across the state will begin enforcing the directive immediately.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, said the command will also clamp down on vehicles using heavily tinted glass that obstructs visibility, particularly on the front windscreen and the right-side windows. He further warned against driving vehicles that have not been properly registered.
The announcement followed a meeting the commissioner held with officers and personnel of the command, where he relayed new directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police. According to him, the orders are part of broader efforts aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism, and operational efficiency within the police force.
The police commissioner explained that vehicle owners must ensure that all newly purchased cars are fully registered before they are driven on public roads. He stressed that covering or altering number plates makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles involved in crimes or traffic violations.
He emphasized that motorists must comply with the rules, stating that it is unlawful for anyone to drive in Lagos with concealed plate numbers or with tinted glass that prevents officers from seeing inside the vehicle, especially on key windows.
The commissioner also clarified that the directives were communicated following a high-level meeting held earlier in March 2026 by the police leadership, during which the importance of improved supervision and adherence to professional standards was highlighted.
According to him, the Lagos State command quickly began educating its officers about the new instructions less than a day after the meeting. The goal, he said, is to ensure that policing operations within the state reflect professionalism while improving safety and service delivery for residents.
He further noted that officers would be closely supervised to ensure that law enforcement duties are carried out responsibly and in accordance with human rights standards. The police command, he said, is committed to maintaining respect for citizens’ rights while carrying out its security responsibilities.
The commissioner also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between the police and members of the public. He encouraged officers to engage more actively with communities in order to better understand the security challenges facing different neighborhoods.
According to him, policing efforts must reflect the needs and concerns of the communities being served. By strengthening cooperation between officers and residents, the police believe it will become easier to identify potential threats and respond quickly to security issues.
He also revealed that police commands across the country have been instructed to refocus on basic policing principles. These include building trust with the public, improving communication with residents, and maintaining visible presence within communities.
The commissioner stressed that the police force must remain accountable to the people and must always operate within the boundaries of the law. Officers were reminded that misconduct or abuse of power would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He warned that any police personnel found engaging in actions that violate human rights would face disciplinary measures, adding that maintaining the dignity and rights of citizens remains a key priority for the force.
Authorities believe that enforcing the new measures will help improve security and make it easier to track suspicious vehicles operating within the state.
Residents and motorists have therefore been advised to comply fully with the regulations by ensuring that their vehicles are properly registered, their number plates are clearly visible, and their windows are not excessively tinted.
The Lagos State Police Command says it will continue to monitor compliance with the directives while working with communities to maintain safety and order across the state.
