The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the second phase of its special intervention patrol, code-named Operation Guduma, to tackle the use of fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates.
FRSC spokesperson Osondu Ohaeri announced this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, saying the five-day operation would run from November 2 to November 6.
He said the exercise was part of efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and address security concerns associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.
Ohaeri said the operation, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, would be conducted in selected states under the supervision of designated senior officers.
He said the second phase followed the first exercise conducted in May 2026, which recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.
Of the figure, 1,003 motorists were arrested for number plate-related offences, 683 for overloading and mixed-loading, while five were apprehended for using fake diplomatic number plates.
Ohaeri said the renewed operation followed concerns by the Office of the National Security Adviser over the increasing use of fake, covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic number plates.
He said vehicles operating with fraudulent or unidentifiable registration plates could enable criminals to evade identification, compromise security surveillance and frustrate investigations.
The operation would also prioritise free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the prompt clearance of road obstructions.
Ohaeri said the Corps Marshal had directed personnel to carry out the exercise professionally, with discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.
He also urged motorists to ensure their vehicle registration plates were genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed.
He stressed that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with courtesy and in line with applicable diplomatic protocols.
