The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the second phase of its special intervention patrol, code-named ‘Operation Gaduma’.

This is as part of renewed efforts to eliminate the growing menace of fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates on Nigerian roads.

In a statement on Saturday in Abuja, FRSC spokesperson Osondu Ohaeri said the Five-day operation is scheduled from Monday, November 2 to Friday, November 6.

Mr Ohaeri said it represents an escalation of the corps’ commitment to strengthening road safety enforcement while addressing emerging security concerns associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.

He said the intervention, approved by the Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, would be conducted across selected states, with specially designated senior officers deployed to coordinate and supervise the exercise.

“Operation Guduma Phase Two builds on the achievements of the first phase conducted in May 2026, which recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.

“Of this figure, 1,003 motorists were apprehended for various number plate-related offences, 683 for overloading and mixed-loading, while five persons were arrested for using fake diplomatic number plates.

“The statistics provide a compelling indication of the scale of the challenge and the need for sustained enforcement,” he said.

Mr Ohaeri said the renewed intervention followed growing concerns expressed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake vehicle registration plates.

These, he said, included covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic plates.

“The corps is concerned that vehicles operating with unidentifiable or fraudulent registration plates create opportunities for criminal elements to evade identification, compromise security surveillance and frustrate investigations.

“Consequently, Operation Guduma is designed to complement national security efforts by strengthening vehicle identification and ensuring greater accountability among road users.

“Beyond the crackdown on number plate violations, the operation will also prioritise the maintenance of free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the prompt clearance of road obstructions,” he said.

Mr Ohaeri 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 called on motorists to ensure that their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed, while urging members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel throughout the operation.

Mr Ohaeri said the corps marshal further directed personnel to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of citizens.

Mr Mohammed particularly emphasised that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols.

(NAN)