The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on vehicle identity fraud and other traffic violations, recording over 1,600 number plate violations.

A statement ​‌⁠​‍‍⁠⁠‍‍​‍‌‍‌‍‍‌​by the FRSC spokesman, Osondu Ohaeri on Tuesday in Abuja said that the operatives also intercepted five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates.

Mr Ohaeri further said that the corps apprehended motorists for 6,454 other traffic offences during the second phase of its strategic enforcement operation, code-named OPERATION GUDUMA II.

He said that the special operations were conducted between November 2 and November 6 across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the exercise represented a renewed offensive by the corps against the growing abuse of vehicle registration identities.

He stressed that this was particularly against the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates, which posed serious implications for national security, law enforcement and public safety.

He added, “The operation, approved by the Corps Marshal, Malam 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 is designed to strengthen surveillance, expose fraudulent vehicle identities and ensure that motorists comply with established vehicle registration and road traffic regulations.

“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.”

The FRSC Public Education Officer said that a comparison with the first phase of Operation GUDUMA, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences, revealed a substantial increase in the number of violations detected during the second phase.

He said that the development further demonstrated the importance of sustained operational visibility, targeted surveillance and coordinated enforcement in exposing traffic violations that could otherwise go undetected.

He quoted the corps marshal as reiterating the corps’ resolve to ensure that Nigerian roads were not exploited by individuals seeking to conceal their identities.

Mr Mohammed said this included those also seeking to evade law enforcement or compromise national security through fraudulent vehicle documentation.

He emphasised that vehicle number plates were not mere identification accessories but critical instruments of national security, vehicle traceability and law enforcement.

“Consequently, the corps will not relent in confronting their abuse, regardless of the status or disposition of offenders,” he said.

The FRSC boss further assured Nigerians that Operation GUDUMA would be sustained and progressively expanded to other states of the federation.

Mr Mohammed said that the operational strategies would continue to be strengthened through improved personnel deployment, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led enforcement.

The corps marshal warned motorists against the use of fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, stressing that no individual or vehicle is above the law.

He also urged motorists 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,” he assured

(NAN)