By Oluseyi Babaseyi

Operation VELVET, an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, goes beyond traffic enforcement.

It is about prevention, vehicle identification, public safety and intelligence.

Proper registration and valid number plates help the Police identify ownership, trace vehicles and detect those reported stolen or linked to crime. This supports efforts against car theft, one-chance robbery, abduction and the movement of stolen vehicles.

A dealership plate is not a free pass to use an unregistered vehicle for everyday activities.

It is issued under a trade licence for authorised dealership purposes. It may be used by an authorised motor-vehicle dealer for specific stages in the vehicle’s movement and sale.

For example:
First, when a vehicle arrives and needs to be moved from its point of arrival to the dealer’s premises.

Second, when the vehicle needs to be tested after being received, assembled or repaired.

Third, when an intending purchaser needs to inspect or test the vehicle.

Fourth, when the vehicle is being transferred in the normal course of the dealer’s business.

And finally, when the vehicle is being delivered to the purchaser.

The important point is this: the plate must be used by an authorised person, for an authorised purpose, and under the conditions of the trade licence.

It is not for routine private use, carrying passengers or goods for reward, or concealing the identity of a vehicle.

Once a vehicle is registered for ordinary use, it should display its assigned registration number.

Because a vehicle’s identity is intelligence.

When a vehicle is properly identified, the Police can establish ownership, trace its movement and act when it is reported stolen or connected to a crime.

When plates are concealed, altered or improperly used, criminals can exploit that gap.

That is why Operation VELVET is preventive.

It helps us detect stolen vehicles, support their recovery, strengthen investigations, improve intelligence gathering and make our roads safer.

To every motorist and dealer:

Register properly. Use the appropriate number plate. Use dealership plates only for lawful dealership purposes. Keep your documents valid.

See Something. Say Something.

Identification is intelligence. Intelligence is prevention. Prevention is everybody’s business.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command.

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