Commissioner of Police Jimoh Olohundare announced the ban on Monday during a press briefing after addressing officers on directives from Inspector-General of Police Disu Olatunji .
Olohundare warned that the command will begin strict enforcement of the rules while respecting the human rights and dignity of citizens .
The police chief also cautioned against the use of tinted glasses that obscure the front and right side of vehicles .
"Any vehicle owner who purchases a car must ensure it is immediately registered," Olohundare said, adding that the command would enforce compliance without violating citizens' rights .
The directive follows instructions the Inspector-General issued during a meeting with police leadership in early March 2026. The meeting focused on improving professionalism, supervision and discipline within the force .
Olohundare said the command began sensitising officers on the new directives less than 24 hours after the meeting. He stated that the goal is to strengthen policing standards and improve service delivery .
The commissioner stressed the need for strict supervision of officers to ensure respect for human rights and adherence to international best practices in policing .
The police leadership also emphasised the importance of community policing. Olohundare urged officers to work closely with residents to identify and address security challenges within their communities .
The Inspector-General directed commands nationwide to return to basic policing principles focused on closer engagement with the public .
The January 2026 directive from the Inspector-General ordered state commissioners of police to impound vehicles illegally using covered number plates, sirens without permits, and spy number plates not duly issued .
Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba stated at the time that such illegalities pose security risks to the nation and its citizens .
The directive followed a working visit by Federal Road Safety Corps Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi to Force Headquarters, where both agencies agreed to improve collaboration in operations, training, intelligence sharing and prosecution of offenders .
Lagos State Government officials issued a similar warning in February 2026 against defaced, faded, covered, altered or unauthorised vehicle number plates .
Tobi Idowu, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on transport education and innovation, said the use of dealer number plates is strictly for vehicle test drives, inspection purposes, or moving vehicles from ports or dealer premises .
Idowu warned that dealer plates must not be used for private or continuous operation of vehicles on public roads. Such use violates the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 .
Police officials say enforcement will focus on improving security and order on Lagos roads .