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 the growing menace of fake, covered, defaced and obsolete vehicle number plates on Nigerian roads. This five-day operation, scheduled to start on Monday, represents an escalation of the Corps’ commitment to strengthening road safety enforcement while addressing emerging security concerns associated with the unlawful use of vehicle registration plates.
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, including covered, defaced, obsolete and counterfeit diplomatic plates. 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 will also prioritise the maintenance of free-flowing traffic along designated corridors, emergency rescue interventions and the prompt clearance of road obstructions. This proactive approach aims to enhance road safety and security across the country.
Speaking on the intervention, the Corps Marshal Mallam Shehu Mohammed 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, given its wider implications for public safety and national security.
Mallam Shehu Mohammed called on motorists to ensure that their vehicle registration plates are genuine, valid, clearly visible and properly displayed. He urged members of the public to cooperate with FRSC personnel throughout the operation and directed personnel to discharge their responsibilities with professionalism, discipline and respect for the rights of citizens.
The Corps Marshal particularly emphasised that engagements involving diplomatic number plates must be handled with appropriate courtesy and in accordance with applicable diplomatic protocols. This approach aims to ensure a smooth operation while maintaining diplomatic relations. The FRSC is working to balance its enforcement efforts with diplomatic sensitivities.
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 building on the success of the first phase to intensify its efforts in eliminating the menace of fake vehicle number plates.
Key points
- FRSC launches second phase of Operation Guduma to eliminate fake vehicle number plates.
- Operation aims to strengthen vehicle identification and ensure greater accountability among road users.
- First phase of Operation Guduma recorded 1,691 arrests across 11 states in May 2026.
