The Police in Abia State say they have arrested 15 suspects, impounded 15 vehicles and charged nine cases to court.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, in a statement issued on Saturday on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, said this was “In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and the Command’s commitment to enhancing security.”

The state Police Command, she said, “has continued the ongoing statewide enforcement operation against unregistered vehicles and vehicles bearing obscured, defaced, altered or unlawfully covered registration number plates.

“Within the period under review, the Command successfully impounded a total of fifteen (15) vehicles found violating vehicle registration and number plate regulations across various locations in the state.

“Fifteen (15) suspects were arrested for offences connected to the use of unregistered vehicles and tampered or improperly displayed registration plates, while nine (9) cases have been charged to court. Other related cases still under investigation will be concluded and diligently prosecuted.”

She added that the CP, Isa, commended the operational discipline of officers involved in the exercise and reiterated that the enforcement is aimed at strengthening public safety, improving crime prevention and denying criminal elements opportunities to exploit vehicle identification loopholes.

He assured members of the public that all arrested suspects would be treated in line with constitutional provisions.

“The Command remains committed to ensuring transparency, professionalism and respect for the rule of law throughout the exercise,” and encouraged members of the public to report any complaints of unprofessional conduct through the Command’s Complaint Response Unit.

He advised Abians to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration laws and the proper display of number plates, as enforcement operations remain ongoing across the state.