By 'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in a decisive move to enhance national security and curb criminal activities, has launched a nationwide operation to clamp down on vehicles using fake diplomatic and unauthorized number plates.
The directive, issued by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, seeks to address the proliferation of such illegal plates, which are reportedly linked to fraudulent activities.
Identified Fake Number Plates**
A statement today by the commission's spokesperson, ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide disclosed that the fake plates were not produced by its authorized production plants or issued by State Motor Licensing Authorities. Among the identified unauthorized plates are those bearing the following inscriptions:
DIPLOMATIC NUMBER PLATES
NYCN
PEACE AMBASSADOR
NAUS
CYMS
UN-UNITY 01
UN-AMB
NANS
To counter this menace, the Corps Marshal has approved an immediate tactical enforcement operation across all FRSC formations nationwide. The operation will involve the identification, arrest, and impoundment of vehicles bearing these illegal plates.
The FRSC has cautioned the public against using fake or unauthorized number plates, warning that such practices not only violate the law but also compromise national security.
“These fake plates are often linked to criminal activities,” the statement read. “We urge members of the public to report any sightings of such plates to law enforcement authorities and discontinue their use immediately.”
In a bid to maximize the effectiveness of the clampdown, the FRSC will collaborate with other security agencies to trace the sources of these fake plates. Perpetrators, including vehicle owners using such plates, will face prosecution.
“Vehicle owners caught with these plates will be prosecuted as accomplices,” the FRSC warned.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no individual or group undermines the country’s security architecture for personal gain.
“This operation is critical to safeguarding the nation, and every nefarious actor involved in the proliferation of fake number plates will be apprehended and prosecuted,” the statement added.
The FRSC called on Nigerians to cooperate with authorities by providing intelligence on the use of unauthorized number plates. The public is also encouraged to regularize vehicle identification to avoid falling afoul of the law.
This operation is part of the FRSC’s broader efforts to strengthen national security and ensure the integrity of vehicle identification systems in Nigeria.
