The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has directed a total ban on all use of Police SPY Vehicle Number Plates by vehicle owners across the states of the federation without exceptions.
Whether it is authorized, or not, as all authorizations are hereby nullified indefinitely.
This order is necessary to stop 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.
The IGP has therefore ordered that police officers and officers of other security agencies attached to VIPs who use the SPY number plates should make sure that there is prompt compliance with this directive or risk being arrested for violation of the order.
Also, the IGP has directed Commissioners of Police (CPs) in the thirty-six (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 as contained above.
The IGP Stanley directed the AIGs and CPs to ensure that all SPY number plates presently in use are made void henceforth but the owners of such vehicles should not be arrested unless they are police officers or officers of other security agencies on escort duties.
The IGP cautions that while carrying out these assignments, officers must make sure that 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.
The new directive from the IGP may not be unconnected with the growing spate of insecurity across the country and also allegations that some crimes are being perpetrated using vehicles with official number plates.