THE Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba has banned the use of spy number plates nationwide.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a chief superintendent of police (CSP), said the IGP announced the ban on Monday.

The numbers are to be seized irrespective of whether they are authorised or not.

The statement said the ban was to forestall the continuous disregard for traffic rules and regulations and other extant laws guiding road use by people hiding under the privileges of spy police number plates.

In carrying out the order, the IGP added a caveat for his officers: the police will not arrest the owners of vehicles carrying the number plate. They will only go away with the number.

But should police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties be found on such vehicles, they will be arrested.

Baba ordered all police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the number plates to ensure prompt compliance with the directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order.

The IGP directed users of the number plate to revert to their vehicles’ original registered number plates.

He also ordered his officers to seize all spy plates they see.

The IGP directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in all states in the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as their supervisory Assistant Inspectors Generals of Police (AIGs), to give full effect to the directives.

“The IGP, however, 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.”