The Rivers State Police Command has banned the operation of mini-commercial buses with tinted windows, unregistered vehicles, and vehicles without number plates across the state with immediate effect.
The command also reaffirmed the existing restriction on the movement of tricycles, popularly known as “Keke,” and motorcycles, particularly the ban on tricycle operations from 10 p.m.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, saying the measures were introduced to tackle the rising cases of “one-chance” robberies, kidnappings, and other violent crimes in the state.
Agabe said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had directed officers to arrest offenders without delay.
“The covering, alteration, driving without plate number or concealment of vehicle plate numbers is strictly prohibited. The Commissioner of Police has directed the arrest of offenders without hesitation,” the statement said.
The command said the directive followed recent instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, against the concealment or alteration of vehicle registration details.
According to the statement, commercial tricycles fitted with tinted glass or coverings capable of concealing passengers’ identities would be impounded, while operators found violating the order would be arrested and prosecuted.
The police also warned that the use of unregistered vehicles would no longer be tolerated and advised owners to regularise their documents immediately.
The new enforcement measures will take effect from May 18, 2026.
The command further urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid boarding vehicles in isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night.
It advised commuters to avoid vehicles with heavily tinted interiors or suspicious occupants and to share trip details with relatives or friends whenever possible.
Residents were also encouraged to discreetly document vehicle registration numbers before boarding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police division or through the command’s emergency lines.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and called for stronger collaboration with local security outfits and community stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention across the state.
