… to “curb menace of vehicle theft.”
by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A strategic meeting with Car/Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria, Plateau State Chapter, was held at the Police Officers’ Mess Jos, as part of “proactive measures” adopted by the Command to curb the menace of vehicle theft and car-snatching within the State.
The meeting is also to strengthen collaboration between the Police and vehicle dealers, and to ensure proper documentation and change of ownership of vehicles, as well as establish a swift and seamless verification process capable of detecting stolen vehicles and tracing criminal elements involved in illegal vehicle transactions.
The Commissioner of Police Plateau State, CP Bassey Ewah, further directed that, henceforth, no Police officer should demand Custom Papers from vehicle owners during routine checks.
He warned that any officer found engaging in such unlawful acts should be reported immediately to the Command for appropriate disciplinary action.
The Commissioner of Police engaged extensively with members of the Association, as they raised critical concerns and made useful suggestions geared towards enhancing public safety and improving intelligence sharing between the Police and vehicle dealers.
While appreciating the leadership and members of the Association for honoring the invitation of the Command, the CP reaffirmed the commitment of the Command to protecting lives and property across the State.
The Police Commissioner also directed that any Police officer carrying out vehicular inspection or investigation must present a valid means of identification before engaging members of the public.
He further assured the Association that the Command would intensify monitoring and enforcement operations across the State to ensure that illegal and unregistered roadside car stands are identified and removed.
According to him, Plateau State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The Command, therefore, called on members of the public to continue cooperating with the Police and other security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Yahaya Mohammed Kega, commended the Commissioner of Police for the remarkable efforts he has made towards improving the security situation in Plateau State since assuming office.
He stated that, the Motor Dealers Association is a well-structured and organized body that operates strictly within the ambit of the law, while regulating the activities of its members across the State.
He further emphasized that all registered members of the Association operate from recognized car stands, noting that roadside vehicle dealers are not members of the Association and should not be trusted.
He assured the Commissioner of Police of the Association’s readiness to collaborate closely with the Plateau State Police Command towards eradicating vehicle theft and car-snatching in the State.