The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the second phase of its special intervention patrol, code-named Operation Guduma, targeting motorists using fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates across the country.
The five-day operation, scheduled for November 2 to 6, 2026, is part of renewed efforts by the Corps to strengthen road safety enforcement and address security threats associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.
The intervention, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, will be conducted across selected states, with designated senior officers deployed to coordinate and supervise the exercise.
Operation Guduma Phase Two builds on the first phase conducted in May 2026, which recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states.
Of the figure, 1,003 motorists were arrested for various number plate-related offences, 683 for overloading and mixed-loading, while five persons were apprehended for using fake diplomatic number plates.
The FRSC said the renewed operation followed concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake vehicle registration plates, including concealed, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic plates.
According to the Corps, vehicles operating with fraudulent or unidentifiable registration plates create opportunities for criminal elements to evade identification, undermine security surveillance and frustrate investigations.
It explained that the operation was designed to complement national security efforts by strengthening vehicle identification and promoting accountability among road users.
Beyond the enforcement of number plate regulations, the exercise will also focus on ensuring free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue operations and the prompt clearance of road obstructions.
Speaking on the intervention, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reaffirmed the FRSC’s determination to tackle practices that undermine road safety and national security.
He stressed that the use of fake, concealed, defaced or obsolete vehicle number plates would no longer be treated as a minor traffic violation, considering its wider implications for public safety and national security.
Mohammed urged motorists to ensure that 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 exercise.
He also directed personnel to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.
The Corps Marshal specifically emphasised that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in line with applicable diplomatic protocols.
The FRSC said the second phase of Operation Guduma underscores its commitment to ensuring that vehicles operating on Nigerian roads are properly identifiable and that motorists comply with existing traffic regulations.
