“…CPs In the 36 states and the FCT as well as their supervisory AIGs of Police are to give full effect to the directives- FPRO
…As All Former Approvals For the SPY Numbers Stand Revoked With Immediate Effect.
Charles Edet
Usman Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, has ordered a total ban on all use of SPY Police plate numbers by vehicle owners across the states of the federation without exceptions.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced this in a statement at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP’s order according to the FPRO, “this is irrespective of whether it is authorised, or not, as all authorizations are hereby revoked indefinitely,”
“This order is 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.”
Following this abuse of privilege, the IGP directed police officers and officers 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.
According to the order the IGP has directed the 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.
The Inspector General of Police, specifically directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all ‘SPY’ number plates currently in use were confiscated henceforth, but that the owners of such vehicles should not be arrested unless they were police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties.
He, however, warned that while carrying out the assignments, officers must ensure that the rights and privileges of citizens were 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 FPRO, Adejobi stated.