The Directorate of Road Traffic Services in Abuja has warned vehicle owners against patronising touts for vehicle number plates. Its director, Abdulateef Bello, gave the warning in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Bello warned that fraudsters were impersonating DRTS officials to take advantage of the scarcity of number plates and exploit vehicle owners.

He said that the directorate, in collaboration with security agencies, had intensified efforts to bring the impostors to justice.

“We urge the public to report suspicious individuals or illegal activities to the management of the DRTS,” he said.

Mr Bello explained that the current scarcity of vehicle number plates in Abuja was due to irregular and insufficient supply from the National Vehicle Identification Scheme plant.

He added that efforts were ongoing to remedy the situation.

“The DRTS firmly disassociates itself from these illegal activities of fraudsters. We strongly caution members of the public against dealing with any individual either staff or agent who claim to be in position of number plates outside what is uploaded in the DRTS self-service portal, https://selfservice.fctevreg.com.

“To ensure transparency, the approved costs of number plates and related services are readily available on our official communication platforms, particularly our website.

“The directorate, therefore, encourages the public to insist on the stipulated prices,” Mr Bello added.

(NAN)