By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has explained the rationale behind its ongoing enforcement exercise involving the impoundment of vehicles fitted with tinted glasses, clarifying that the operation is aimed at strengthening security and not intended to harass or inconvenience law-abiding residents.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, amid growing public reactions over the exercise.
According to the Police Spokesman, the exercise targets all vehicles fitted with tinted glasses, including those whose owners possess tinted glass permits. The exercise, he said, also targets unregistered vehicles, as well as vehicles with concealed, covered or defaced number plates.
SP Ikenga explained that the exercise was initiated to enable the Police to verify the authenticity of tinted glass permits, detect forged or fraudulently obtained permits, enforce compliance with vehicle registration and number plate regulations, and prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of such violations to evade security checks and perpetrate crimes.
According to him, intelligence available to the Command has shown that criminals increasingly exploit tinted vehicles and improperly identified vehicles to conceal their identities and frustrate law enforcement efforts during criminal operations.
The Police spokesman acknowledged that the exercise might cause temporary inconvenience to genuine motorists, but, however, explained that the action had become necessary in view of the prevailing security situation and the Command’s determination to enhance public safety across the state.
He further emphasized that the enforcement operation is not targeted at victimising any individual but is strictly a security measure designed to safeguard lives and property.
The Command appealed to residents to cooperate with security operatives and exercise patience while the verification exercise continues, assuring that officers involved had been directed to carry out their duties professionally and in accordance with the law.
The Police Spokesman also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining proactive policing and other security measures aimed at denying criminals the opportunity to operate within the state.
