TheCable

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra, has announced a ban on vehicles with covered number plates and tinted windows on all roads in the state.

Speaking during a broadcast on Sunday, the governor said the decision was taken as part of efforts to check the recent trend of security challenges in the state.

Police stations and patrol teams in the state have come under a series of attacks by gunmen in the past few days.

On Friday, two prison warders were killed when gunmen attacked a vehicle of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) conveying some inmates to court.

Obiano said a similar incident was foiled by security operatives, adding that security agencies would be conducting strategic operations aimed at neutralising emerging threats in the state.

“Within the past week or so, we have witnessed what obviously is a planned and targeted attack on security personnel and facilities in the state by armed hoodlums,” Obiano said.

“So far, police officers and navy personnel on official duties at strategic checkpoints in various locations in the state were sporadically attacked, killed and their firearms taken away. Also, prison and police personnel conveying an inmate to court were equally attacked and killed.

“This morning, a police outpost was attacked unsuccessfully as joint police, vigilante and community efforts repelled the attackers.

“Anambra state government categorically condemns these attacks on our security personnel and is doing everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Since these attacks commenced, I have personally coordinated security commanders in the state with a joint effort to halt this mayhem and by God’s, we will surely succeed.

“Fitted tinted glasses on vehicles, as well as covered plate numbers, will no longer be allowed on all roads within the state. Security agencies will be conducting special and strategic operations aimed at neutralising the emerging threats to our collective safety.”