The Kano State Police Command has arrested 123 motorists for allegedly driving vehicles without registration plates or using concealed number plates under its ongoing Operation Clean Plate initiative.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano, saying the operation targets criminals who exploit unregistered or concealed vehicles to evade detection during criminal activities.
According to him, all the suspects arrested since the operation began have been charged to court.
Bakori also announced the arrest of a 51-year-old man during the enforcement exercise after officers intercepted his vehicle, which had no registration plate. He said the suspect allegedly attempted to flee before he was apprehended.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of a pistol, cannabis sativa, a knife, electric cables, 120 lithium batteries and a vehicle suspected to be stolen.
The police commissioner said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, while efforts are underway to determine the origin of the recovered firearm and establish whether the items are linked to a wider criminal network.
He described the recoveries as evidence of why the operation was launched, noting that vehicles without proper identification are often used to transport weapons, drugs and other illicit items.
Bakori assured residents that Operation Clean Plate would continue across Kano’s 44 local government areas to strengthen security and curb criminal activities.
He urged motorists to register their vehicles, obtain valid number plates and avoid covering them, while encouraging residents to support the police with credible information.
The commissioner also warned officers against misconduct during the operation, stressing that professionalism and discipline would remain a priority for the command.
