The Federal Road Safety Corps has decried the use of unauthorised number plates and unapproved diplomatic seals.

Assistant corps marshal Fredrick Ogidan, condemned the practice while launching ‘Operation Guduma’ in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Mr Ogidan said that the tactical operation would tackle the issues of unauthorised number plates and fake diplomatic seals on vehicles.

The operation would strengthen national integrity and promote diplomatic confidence for foreign nationals.

“The use of unauthorised number plates and unapproved diplomatic seals on Nigerian roads is alarming. With the launch of this operation, it will no longer be business as usual for defaulters. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law

“Faking and parading number plates that are reserved for diplomats or number plates not duly authorised by the authorities is a criminal offence that is punishable by law,” he said.

Mr Ogidan further said that the FRSC had observed that some vehicle owners affixed names and other impressions on the place provided for number plates.

“This is wrong because number plates are registered with vehicles. It is llegal to affix number plates without following due process. As a nation, we are expected to give foreign nationals the best protection and respect, this will enable them to reciprocate same,” he said.

The FRSC official also said that operation would be used to tackle the dangerous habit of overloading by some drivers.

He urged sister agencies to support the FRSC in its efforts towards sanitising the roads and reducing highway fatalities.

(NAN)