The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has apprehended and prosecuted no fewer than 35 drivers for using fake diplomatic number plates and overloading in Enugu State.

The FRSC apprehended and prosecuted 14 drivers for fake diplomatic number plate violations and 21 drivers for overloading.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Friday while speaking on the ongoing “Operation Guduma” in Enugu State.

According to him, 14 drivers were apprehended and prosecuted for fake diplomatic number plate violations, while 21 drivers were prosecuted for overloading.

The corps marshal said that Operation Guduma was about closing two critical gaps: security risks from fake diplomatic plates and safety risks from overloading.

The corps marshal was represented by Dorothy Ikpeme, the Corps Commander in charge of the Operation, Monitoring and Control Centre, FRSC Headquarters, Abuja.

He said that both offences directly endangered lives and undermined law enforcement.

The corps marshal said that the operation was aimed at eliminating the illegal use of diplomatic number plates.

He noted that the operation would also clamp down on the menace of overloading and mixed loading on highways.

“The Corps frowns at the misuse of diplomatic plates which poses a serious security threat by obstructing investigations, while overloading and mix-loading continue to cause avoidable crashes and loss of lives,” he said.

The FRSC boss cautioned against the illegal use of diplomatic number plates like NYCN, NUP, AMB, UN-AMB, PEACE AMBASSADOR and NANS, among others.

“The operation, which will last for five days, will lead to improved traffic flow on high-density corridors and increased visibility of FRSC patrol teams to deter violations in the state.

“The operation involves deployment of patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and motorbikes, working closely with other security agencies,” he said.

He noted that the operation remained a warning and an opportunity for vehicle owners to correct vehicle documentation and negative loading practices. 

(NAN)