The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of motorists operating vehicles without valid number plates or with concealed, defaced or faded registration numbers.

The command also warned against the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates and tinted vehicle glasses without valid permits.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, issued the directive on Sunday following concerns over the increasing use of vehicles with irregular identification plates in the territory.

The command said some vehicles, particularly sport utility vehicles, were allegedly being used by criminal elements to evade identification and arrest during or after committing offences.

The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the directive was aimed at strengthening security and improving the identification and tracking of vehicles across the territory.

Adeh explained that the peculiar security situation in the FCT made the use of vehicles with concealed or irregular number plates a serious concern for law enforcement agencies.

She said Sanusi had directed police officers across the territory to intensify enforcement and ensure strict compliance with existing laws governing vehicle identification and the use of tinted glasses.

The police commissioner, however, warned officers against unprofessional conduct and extortion during the enforcement exercise.

Adeh reiterated that motorists found violating the relevant laws would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with existing regulations.

The command urged residents to support security operations by reporting suspicious vehicles and activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08028940883.

The police stressed that security was a collective responsibility and called on residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to maintain safety across the FCT.