The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said it has intercepted five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates and recorded more than 1,600 number plate violations during the second phase of its nationwide enforcement operation, code-named Operation GUDUMA II.
The operation also led to the apprehension of motorists for 6,454 other traffic offences, FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, National Headquarters, Abuja, Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.
Mr Ohaeri said conducted from 2 to 6 November across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the exercise represents a renewed offensive by the Corps against the growing abuse of vehicle registration identities, particularly the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates, which poses serious implications for national security, law enforcement and public safety.
The operation, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, followed concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.
It was designed to strengthen surveillance, expose fraudulent vehicle identities and ensure that motorists comply with established vehicle registration and road traffic regulations.
In its statement, the FRSC said the enforcement exercise covered Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT, with dedicated operational teams deployed to strategic locations to identify and apprehend offenders.
“The results were significant. Five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates were intercepted, while more than 1,600 number plate-related violations and 6,454 other traffic offences were recorded.
“The scale of these violations underscores the urgent need for sustained enforcement and greater public vigilance against the misuse of vehicle identification systems.
“A comparison with the first phase of Operation GUDUMA, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences, reveals a substantial increase in the number of violations detected during the second phase,” the statement said.
It said the development further demonstrates the importance of sustained operational visibility, targeted surveillance and coordinated enforcement in exposing traffic violations that could otherwise go undetected.
Commenting on the outcome, Mr Mohammed reiterated the Corps’ resolve to ensure that Nigerian roads are not exploited by individuals seeking to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement or compromise national security through fraudulent vehicle documentation.
He emphasised that vehicle number plates are not mere identification accessories but critical instruments of national security, vehicle traceability and law enforcement.
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Consequently, he said the Corps will not relent in confronting their abuse, regardless of the status or disposition of offenders.
He further assured Nigerians that Operation GUDUMA would be sustained and progressively expanded to other states of the federation, while operational strategies would continue to be strengthened through improved personnel deployment, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led enforcement.
He warned motorists against the use of fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, stressing that no individual or vehicle is above the law.
“Motorists are urged to ensure that their vehicles carry duly registered and approved number plates and comply fully with all extant traffic regulations.
“The message is unequivocal: Nigerian roads must not become safe havens for identity fraud, criminal concealment or traffic indiscipline. Through Operation GUDUMA, FRSC is strengthening the link between road safety, national security and responsible motoring.”
