The Anambra State Police Command has expressed concern over the continued use of unmarked and covered number plates and branded campaign vehicles in the state.

A statement on Tuesday by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Haruna Mohammed, enjoined politicians to repaint their branded campaign vehicles, saying that hoodlums use them to perpetrate crimes.

“Information at the disposal of the Anambra State Police Command revealed that hoodlums in the state are using branded and or unmarked/tinted vehicles with covered plate numbers to perpetrate crimes in the state in order to avoid being detected by the law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.

It explained that such acts are not only unlawful but also constitute serious security threats to the public which if left unchecked could worsen the security situation in the state.

The statement called on politicians in the state to repaint their branded campaign vehicles on or before June 6, 2019 or the command will be left with no option than to impound such vehicles since Electioneering campaigns are over.

The statement added: “In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police CP Mustapha Dandaura, has ordered with immediate effect the arrest and prosecution of persons using unmarked/ tinted and masked vehicles without authorisation.

“Consequently, the CP also warns that any security personnel found escorting their principal with an unmarked vehicle or those with covered vehicle number plates will be arrested and dealt with accordingly.”

Meanwhile, the Command has also arrested a notorious robbery handbag and snatching syndicate at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.

The suspects, who hail from Nsukka, Enugu State, are among the hoodlums terrorising Upper Iwekka and Owerri road axis.

It would be recalled that on May 9, 2019 the command mobilised personnel and logistics at upper Iweka to curtail the menace of robbery and handbags snatching syndicates in the area through Operation Puff Adder.

A statement by the PPRO said: “On the 14/5/2019 at about 6:30am, following the flag off of operation Puff Adder in Onitsha by the Commissioner of Police CP Mustapha Dandaura, Police operatives attached Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and operation ‘Puff Adder’ in conjunction with local vigilante arrested at upper Iweka Onitsha, one Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi, aged 21- years oldand one Sopulu Ugwoma ‘m’ aged 22 years.

“A single barrel fabricated short gun was recovered from them as exhibit.”

The PPRO said the case is under investigation after which suspects would be charged to Court for prosecution.

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