Operation GUDUMA 2: FRSC Uncovers Five Fake Diplomatic Plates, Arrests Thousands of Offenders

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 6,454 traffic offenders and 1,600 fake number plates, including five fake diplomatic number plates, were intercepted during the just-concluded five-day Operation GUDUMA 2.

The enforcement exercise, which covered 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was 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, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, followed concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.

It was also 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.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the operation in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu 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 said, “Vehicle number plates are not mere identification accessories but critical instruments of national security, vehicle traceability and law enforcement.”

The FRSC boss assured that the Corps would not relent in checking the abuse, regardless of the status or disposition of offenders.

He stressed 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.

He also appealed to motorists to ensure that their vehicles carry duly registered and approved number plates and comply fully with all existing traffic regulations.

He stated, “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.”