By Achille Momoh
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intercepted five vehicles operating with fake diplomatic number plates and recorded 6,454 other traffic violations during the second phase of its nationwide enforcement operation, code-named Operation GUDUMA II.
The operation, conducted between November 2 and 6, 2026, across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also uncovered more than 1,600 number plate-related violations as the Corps intensified efforts to tackle vehicle identity fraud and strengthen road safety.
The crackdown targeted the growing misuse of vehicle registration identities, particularly the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates, which the FRSC says poses serious threats to national security, law enforcement and public safety.
Approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, the operation followed concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.
According to the Corps, the enforcement exercise covered Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT.
Operational teams were deployed to strategic locations to identify vehicles with fraudulent registration identities and apprehend motorists violating established traffic regulations.
The latest figures represent a significant increase compared with the first phase of Operation GUDUMA, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences.
The FRSC attributed the increased detection to sustained operational visibility, targeted surveillance and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Reacting to the outcome, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the Corps would not allow Nigerian roads to become hiding places for individuals seeking to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement or undermine national security through fraudulent vehicle documentation.
He stressed that vehicle number plates are not merely identification accessories but essential tools for national security, vehicle traceability and effective law enforcement.
Mohammed also assured Nigerians that Operation GUDUMA would continue and expand to other parts of the country, with improved personnel deployment, intelligence-led enforcement and stronger collaboration with relevant security agencies.
The Corps warned motorists against using fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, urging vehicle owners to ensure their registration plates are duly approved and comply with existing traffic regulations.
It further maintained that no individual or vehicle is above the law, regardless of the owner’s status or position.
The FRSC said the operation reflects its broader commitment to connecting road safety enforcement with national security and responsible motoring.
Source: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Signed: Osondu Ohaeri, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC.
Date: November 10, 2026.
