Operation Guduma: FRSC clamps down on fake number plates
By Onu Okorie
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the second phase of its special intervention patrol, code-named Operation Guduma, to tackle the growing use of fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates across Nigerian roads.
The five-day enforcement exercise, scheduled to run from Monday, November 2, to Friday, November 6, 2026, is aimed at strengthening road safety enforcement and addressing security threats associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.
The operation, approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, will be conducted across selected states, with designated senior officers deployed to coordinate and supervise the exercise.
According to the Corps, the second phase builds on the achievements of the first operation conducted in May 2026, which resulted in the arrest of 1,691 motorists across 11 states.
Of the total number arrested, 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 using fake diplomatic number plates.
The FRSC said the figures underscored the scale of the problem and the need for sustained enforcement to ensure compliance with vehicle registration regulations.
The renewed crackdown also follows concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake vehicle registration plates, including covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic number plates.
The Corps noted that vehicles operating with unidentifiable or fraudulent registration plates could provide opportunities for criminals to evade identification, undermine security surveillance and frustrate investigations by relevant authorities.
It explained that Operation Guduma Phase Two was designed to complement national security efforts by improving vehicle identification and promoting accountability among motorists.
Beyond the enforcement of number plate regulations, the exercise will also focus on ensuring free-flowing traffic along designated routes, providing emergency rescue services and promptly clearing road obstructions.
Speaking on the operation, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to tackle practices that undermine road safety and national security.
He warned that the use of fake, concealed, defaced or obsolete vehicle number plates would no longer be treated as a minor traffic violation, considering the broader implications for public safety and national security.
Mohammed urged motorists to ensure that their vehicle registration plates were genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed.
He also called on members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel during the enforcement exercise.
The Corps Marshal further directed officers and men participating in the operation to discharge their duties with professionalism, discipline and respect for citizens’ rights.
He specifically instructed personnel to handle engagements involving diplomatic number plates with appropriate courtesy and in strict compliance with applicable diplomatic protocols.
The FRSC said the second phase of Operation Guduma demonstrated its resolve to ensure that Nigerian roads remained safe, vehicles were easily identifiable and motorists did not exploit registration irregularities to evade lawful accountability.