The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is set to commence the second phase of a special intervention patrol, code-named “Operation Guduma”, aimed at eliminating fake, covered, defaced, and obsolete vehicle number plates on Nigerian roads. This five-day operation, scheduled to start on November 2, 2026, is an escalation of the Corps’ efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and address emerging security concerns. The operation seeks to complement national security efforts by strengthening vehicle identification and ensuring greater accountability among road users.
The renewed intervention follows growing concerns expressed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the increasing use of fake vehicle registration plates. The ONSA has raised alarm over the use of covered, defaced, obsolete, and counterfeit diplomatic plates, which creates opportunities for criminal elements to evade identification and compromise security surveillance. The FRSC is concerned that vehicles operating with unidentifiable or fraudulent registration plates pose a significant threat to public safety and national security.
The Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has reaffirmed the Corps’ determination to confront 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 infraction. Mohammed called on motorists to ensure that their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible, and properly displayed.
During the operation, FRSC personnel will prioritize the maintenance of free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions, and the prompt clearance of road obstructions. The Corps Marshal has directed personnel to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rights of citizens. He emphasized that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols.
The first phase of Operation Guduma in May 2026 recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states. Of this figure, 1,003 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 FRSC is committed to strengthening road safety enforcement and addressing emerging security concerns associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.
The FRSC has urged members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel throughout the operation. The Corps Marshal has assured that the operation will be conducted with professionalism and respect for the rights of citizens. The FRSC is working to ensure that vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, and properly displayed, and to prevent the use of fake plates that could compromise national security.
The second phase of Operation Guduma is expected to enhance road safety and national security by reducing the incidence of fake vehicle registration plates. The FRSC has reiterated its commitment to working with other stakeholders to address emerging security concerns and strengthen vehicle identification. Key points include:
Key points
- The FRSC has launched the second phase of Operation Guduma to eliminate fake vehicle number plates.
- The operation aims to strengthen road safety enforcement and address emerging security concerns.
- The FRSC recorded 1,691 arrests during the first phase of Operation Guduma in May 2026.
