Get Guardian on GoogleThe Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates and recorded 6,454 other traffic violations during the second phase of its nationwide Operation Guduma II.
The operation, conducted from November 2 to 6 across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, also uncovered more than 1,600 number plate-related violations.
In a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the FRSC said the exercise was aimed at tackling vehicle identity fraud and enforcing compliance with registration and traffic regulations.
The operation covered Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT.
The Corps said the operation was approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, following concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.
It said the second phase recorded a significant increase in detected violations compared with the first phase, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences.
Mohammed said the Corps would not allow motorists to use fraudulent vehicle documents to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement or undermine national security.
He described number plates as important tools for vehicle identification, traceability and law enforcement, adding that the operation would be sustained and extended to other states.
The FRSC warned motorists against using fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, urging them to ensure their vehicles carry duly registered and approved plates.
