By Lukman OMIKUNLE
FRSC launches a five-day crackdown on fake, covered and obsolete number plates from November 2 to 6, following 1,691 arrests in 11 states
FRSC Launches Operation Guduma Phase Two Against Fake Number Plates
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its crackdown on motorists using fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates, announcing a five-day enforcement operation across selected states from November 2 to 6.
The operation, code-named Operation Guduma Phase Two, is aimed at tackling vehicle registration violations increasingly linked to security concerns, including the use of fraudulent number plates to evade identification and frustrate law enforcement investigations.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026, saying the renewed intervention was part of the FRSC’s efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and address emerging national security threats.
According to Ohaeri, the operation, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, will involve the deployment of specially designated senior officers to selected states to coordinate and supervise the exercise.
The latest crackdown follows the first phase of Operation Guduma conducted in May 2026, during which the FRSC recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.
Of the total arrests, 1,003 motorists were apprehended for various number plate-related offences, while 683 were arrested for overloading and mixed-loading. Five others were arrested for allegedly using fake diplomatic number plates.
Ohaeri said the figures highlighted the scale of the violations and reinforced the need for sustained enforcement to ensure that vehicles operating on Nigerian roads have genuine and identifiable registration plates.
The renewed operation also comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser over the increasing use of fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle registration plates, including counterfeit diplomatic number plates.
The FRSC warned that vehicles operating with fraudulent or concealed registration numbers could provide opportunities for criminals to evade identification, undermine security surveillance and frustrate investigations.
The Corps said Operation Guduma Phase Two would complement broader national security efforts by strengthening vehicle identification and ensuring greater accountability among motorists.
Beyond the crackdown on registration violations, the operation will also focus on maintaining free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, conducting emergency rescue interventions and ensuring the prompt removal of road obstructions.
Speaking on the exercise, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reaffirmed the FRSC’s determination to confront practices capable of undermining road safety and national security.
Mohammed stressed that the use of fake, concealed, defaced or obsolete vehicle number plates would no longer be treated as a minor traffic infraction, given its wider implications for public safety and national security.
He urged motorists to ensure their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed, while calling on members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel during the enforcement exercise.
The Corps Marshal also directed officers deployed for the operation to discharge their duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.
He specifically instructed personnel to handle cases involving diplomatic number plates with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols.
