The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced the second section of its particular intervention patrol, code-named Operation Gaduma, with a five-day crackdown on faux, lined, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates throughout chosen states.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this in an announcement issued on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Abuja, stating that the operation would run from Monday, November 2, to Friday, November 6.
The train is a part of renewed efforts to strengthen highway security enforcement and deal with safety issues related to the illegal use of vehicle registration plates.
FRSC begins five-day number plate crackdown
Ohaeri mentioned the intervention, authorised by the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, can be carried out throughout chosen states, with designated senior officers deployed to coordinate and supervise the train.
He defined that the second section builds on the primary operation carried out in May 2026, which recorded 1,691 arrests throughout 11 states.
According to him, the arrests from the primary section concerned a number of offences, together with:
1,003 motorists apprehended for numerous number plate-related offences.
683 motorists arrested for overloading and mixed-loading.
Five individuals arrested for utilizing faux diplomatic number plates.
Ohaeri mentioned the figures demonstrated the dimensions of the problem and the necessity for sustained enforcement towards vehicle registration violations.
He added that the renewed intervention adopted issues raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the rising use of pretend vehicle registration plates, together with lined, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic plates.
The Corps mentioned the five-day train would focus on figuring out autos working with fraudulent or unrecognisable registration plates, whereas strengthening accountability amongst motorists.
Links faux plates to safety dangers
Ohaeri mentioned the safety implications of the pattern have been important, given the significance of highway transportation to the motion of individuals and items throughout the nation.
He defined that autos working with hid or fraudulent registration plates might make it troublesome for safety companies to determine them, monitor their actions and examine legal actions.
The assertion quoted him as saying:
“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 may even prioritise visitors administration alongside designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the immediate clearance of highway obstructions.
Ohaeri mentioned the Corps Marshal had reaffirmed the FRSC’s dedication to tackling practices that threaten highway security and undermine nationwide safety.
He added that the usage of faux, hid, defaced or obsolete vehicle number plates would now not be handled as a minor visitors infraction due to its wider implications for public security.
The Corps Marshal additionally directed personnel to hold out their duties with professionalism, self-discipline and respect for residents’ rights, significantly when partaking autos displaying diplomatic number plates, which should be dealt with according to relevant diplomatic protocols.
What you need to know
The newest operation follows earlier FRSC enforcement efforts to deal with the usage of faux and unauthorised vehicle registration plates throughout Nigeria.
In March 2025, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, mentioned the company had arrested 7,798 individuals across the nation in two months over offences involving faux vehicle number plates.
He mentioned the Corps encountered resistance from some vehicle house owners utilizing faux registration plates however remained dedicated to imposing the related rules.
Mohammed additionally warned that the rising use of pretend or unauthorised number plates had severe safety implications as a result of it might hinder the flexibility of safety companies to determine and observe autos linked to legal actions.
He known as for stronger help from the National Assembly to enhance enforcement and be sure that offenders have been prosecuted.
The Corps Marshal additionally counseled lawmakers for his or her contributions to highway security and safety efforts, urging them to work with the FRSC to strengthen present legal guidelines and enforcement measures.
The newest five-day operation is one other section of the Corps’ efforts to deal with vehicle identification violations and enhance compliance with highway security necessities.
