The Rivers State Police Command has banned mini-commercial buses with tinted glasses, unregistered vehicles, and those without number plates with immediate effect.
The Command also said the restriction on the operation of tricycles, popularly known as “Keke,” and motorcycles within the state remains in force.
The police said the move became necessary to curb the growing menace of one-chance robberies, kidnapping, and other criminal activities in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday and made available to journalists, saying the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the arrest of offenders.
Agabe said, “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.”
She said the measure was in line with recent directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, warning against any covering, alteration, driving without plate number or concealment of vehicle plate numbers.
The statement partly reads, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to remind members of the public that the existing restriction on the movement of tricycles from 10:00 pm remains fully in force across the state. Operators and owners are strongly advised to comply strictly with this directive.
This enforcement takes immediate effect as part of intensified efforts to curb the growing menace of ‘one-chance’ robberies, abductions, and other violent crimes in Rivers State, with a stern warning that any individual or group found involved in such criminal activities will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.
“In furtherance of the Command’s proactive crime prevention strategy, CP Adepoju has also directed the implementation of the following security measures which will take effect from 18th May, 2026.
“No commercial keke-bus should be fitted with tinted glass or covered in any manner capable of concealing the identity of passengers or occupants. Any commercial keke-bus found violating this directive will be impounded, while the operator will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
“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 use of unregistered vehicles within the state is prohibited and will no longer be tolerated. Owners and operators of such vehicles are advised to regularise their documentation without delay.”
The Command further emphasised the importance of collaboration with local security outfits and community stakeholders with Divisional Police Officers within their respective jurisdictions to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordinated responses, and enhance public safety across the state.
It advised members of the public to be security conscious and observe precautionary measures, including boarding vehicles in isolated locations, to avoid falling victim to “one-chance” criminals.
According to the statement, “Avoid boarding tricycles, motorcycles, or vehicles from isolated or poorly lit locations, especially at night. Be cautious of vehicles carrying suspicious or unusually aggressive occupants. Avoid entering vehicles with covered or heavily tinted interiors where occupants cannot be clearly identified.
“Share your trip details or destination with trusted relatives or friends whenever possible. Refrain from openly displaying cash, mobile phones, jewellery or other valuables while in transit. Ensure the vehicle can be opened from outside and inside on entry. Don’t agree to sit in the middle of already seated passengers.
“Members of the public are advised to discreetly document or photograph/snap the vehicle and its registration number before boarding, and send the location to the notice of the occupants. When you do not feel safe, insist on getting off the vehicle immediately.
“In the event of any suspicious movement or emergency, immediately contact the nearest police division or the Command’s emergency lines below.”
The Command, led by CP Adepoju, reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state and urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality.
