The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday in Lagos said it would not hesitate to seize unregistered vehicles plying public roads to tackle insecurity more effectively.
It also said it would prosecute the drivers.
The force spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned while briefing journalists on the transformation of the Force Central Motor Registry (CMR) and the need for vehicle owners to obtain a CMR certificate.
He noted that with only registered vehicles plying public roads in Nigeria, security challenges would be reduced by 60 per cent.
Mr Adejobi also warned those driving vehicles with tinted glasses to ensure they had police permit papers.
He said the CMR transformation represented a crucial milestone in the force’s commitment to public safety and enhancing its capacity to combat vehicle-related crimes.
The spokesperson said Nigeria had grappled with a surge in vehicle-related offences, including car theft and snatching, kidnapping, carjacking, and hit-and-run incidents, which he attributed to the use of unregistered vehicles and tinted glasses, among other factors.
“This worrisome trend prompted a strategic response from the Nigeria Police Force, leading to the deployment of specialised border forces aimed at curbing these criminal activities.
“In the light of these efforts, the NPF rejigged the Central Motor Registry (CMR), a vital initiative that has played a pivotal role in addressing these challenges.
NAN
