The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Ajao S. Adewale, has directed all commercial tricycle operators in the state to conspicuously display their approved identification numbers on their vehicles.

The directive, according to the Police Command, is part of renewed efforts to enhance security and to differentiate genuine tricycle operators from criminals who use tricycles as cover to perpetrate crime.

CP Adewale gave the order on Friday when he met with the leadership of tricycle unions, transport stakeholders and community leaders at the Police Command Headquarters in Yenagoa.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner said intelligence reports showed that some criminal elements operating in Yenagoa and its environs have been using unmarked tricycles to carry out robbery, abduction and other vices, particularly during night hours.

“As a Command, we have observed the increasing use of tricycles without any form of identification for criminal activities. For us to secure the state effectively, every commercial tricycle must be identifiable. This will help our officers on patrol and members of the public to easily identify legitimate operators,” he said.

He explained that the display of ID numbers would not only improve accountability but also build public trust and ensure the safety of passengers.

The Police boss warned that upon expiration of the grace period for sensitization and compliance, the Command would commence full enforcement. Any tricycle found operating without a valid identification number, he said, would be impounded and the operator prosecuted.

He therefore called on all union leaders to take the message to their members and ensure strict compliance in the interest of peace and security.

CP Adewale also appealed to residents of Bayelsa to support the security initiative by patronizing only tricycles with clearly displayed ID numbers and by promptly reporting any suspicious rider or movement to the nearest police station.

In their response, leaders of the Tricycle Riders Association in Bayelsa commended the Commissioner for the proactive step and pledged to mobilize their members for full compliance.

They noted that the measure would also protect genuine operators whose image has been tarnished by the activities of criminal elements.