The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Jimoh Olohundare, has announced a new directive, making it strictly forbidden for drivers in the state to obscure their vehicle number plates. He issued a stern warning that the police command is poised to rigorously enforce this new rule.
Furthermore, the CP cautioned against the use of tinted windows that obstruct the view through the front and right side of vehicles, as well as the operation of unregistered vehicles on Lagos roads.
This declaration was made by the Lagos police chief on Monday during a press briefing. The briefing followed his address to the command’s officers and personnel regarding instructions issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Disu Olatunji.
He emphasized that any vehicle owner acquiring a car must ensure its immediate registration, underscoring that the command will uphold these regulations while simultaneously upholding the human rights and dignity of citizens.
“It is prohibited for anyone in Lagos to cover their plate number or to use tinted glasses where the front screen and the right screen are tinted and covered. People are also prohibited from using unregistered vehicles,” he stated.
CP Jimoh clarified that this briefing was necessitated by directives from the Inspector-General of Police, stemming from a meeting in early March 2026. During this meeting, the critical need for enhanced professionalism, oversight, and discipline within the force was highlighted.
He mentioned that the command had already initiated efforts to sensitize officers on these new directives less than 24 hours after the meeting, with the overarching aim of bolstering policing standards and improving service delivery to the public.
The commissioner underscored the importance of stringent supervision of officers to guarantee respect for human rights and adherence to international best practices in law enforcement.
He also reiterated the vital role of community policing, urging officers to collaborate closely with residents to identify and effectively address security challenges prevalent within their communities.
According to him, the priorities and concerns of the community must serve as the guiding principles for policing strategies across the entire state.
The CP further revealed that the Inspector-General had stressed the importance of increased training for personnel, particularly in the areas of crime prevention and security management during significant public events.
He mandated that officers assigned to special duties must ensure comprehensive security coverage from the commencement to the conclusion of such assignments.
Finally, the CP noted that the IGP had instructed police commands nationwide to revert to fundamental policing principles, which advocate for closer engagement and interaction with the public.
He issued a strong warning that any instances of human rights abuses by police officers would not be tolerated, stressing that all personnel are obligated to uphold the dignity and rights of Nigerian citizens.
