FRSC records 6,454 traffic offences over fake diplomatic plates

The Federal Road Safety Corps says it has intercepted five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates and recorded 6,454 traffic offences during the second phase of its nationwide enforcement operation, code-named Operation GUDUMA II.

The FRSC disclosed this in a statement signed by its Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, on Tuesday.

Ohaeri said the Corps recorded over 1,600 number plate-related violations during the operation, which ran from November 2 to 6, 2026, across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The operation covered Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT.

Ohaeri further stated that the operation was aimed at tackling vehicle identity fraud, particularly the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates, which, he said, posed threats to national security and public safety.

“Conducted from 2 to 6 November 2026 across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the operation represents a renewed offensive by the Corps against the growing abuse of vehicle registration identities, particularly the unauthorised use of diplomatic number plates, which poses serious implications for national security, law enforcement and public safety,” he stated.

He added that the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, approved the exercise following concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.

Ohaeri noted that the second phase recorded a significant increase in violations compared with the first phase, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences.

“A comparison with the first phase of Operation GUDUMA, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences, reveals a substantial increase in the number of violations detected during the second phase. The development further demonstrates the importance of sustained operational visibility, targeted surveillance and coordinated enforcement in exposing traffic violations that could otherwise go undetected,” he added.

Ohaeri quoted the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as saying that the corps would not allow motorists to exploit Nigerian roads to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement or undermine national security.

Mohammed assured Nigerians that the operation would be sustained and expanded to other states, adding that the corps would strengthen its enforcement strategies through improved personnel deployment, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led operations.

“He further assured Nigerians that Operation GUDUMA would be sustained and progressively expanded to other states of the federation, while operational strategies would continue to be strengthened through improved personnel deployment, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led enforcement,” he stated.

Similarly, the FRSC on Tuesday disclosed that 98 people lost their lives while 1,345 others sustained injuries in road traffic crashes across Gombe State between January and September 2026.

The figure represents a six per cent increase in fatalities compared with the corresponding period, raising fresh concerns over road safety in the state.

The FRSC Sector Commander in Gombe State, Commander Samson Kaura, disclosed this while addressing executive members of the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists during the 2026 World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.

Kaura attributed the rising casualties largely to excessive speeding and reckless driving, warning that motorists’ disregard for traffic regulations continued to turn roads into death traps.

He said, “We recorded 1,345 road traffic incidents between January and September 2026, resulting in 98 deaths and 1,345 injuries. The fatalities represent a six per cent increase compared with the corresponding period.”

Expressing concern over the worsening figures, the sector commander noted that the number of people killed within the first nine months of 2026 had already exceeded the fatalities recorded throughout 2025.

According to him, the command recorded 1,614 road traffic incidents in 2025, with 92 deaths and 926 injuries.

Kaura described the World Day of Remembrance as more than an annual commemorative event, saying it was an opportunity to turn the painful memories of road crash victims into practical measures that would save lives.

He said, “The day provides an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives or sustained serious injuries in road traffic crashes, while drawing attention to the need for stronger legal responses to traffic offences that result in deaths and injuries.”

He added that the campaign was also designed to improve support for survivors and bereaved families while encouraging evidence-based interventions to prevent road crashes.

In his response, the Chairman of Gombe NUJ, Faruk Muazu, assured the FRSC of the union’s continued partnership in promoting road safety awareness and development.

Represented by the Vice Chairman of the Gombe State NUJ Council, Emmanuel Akila, Muazu urged the corps to deepen its collaboration with the NUJ to tackle the activities of individuals impersonating journalists in the state.

He said, “We urge the FRSC to work closely with the union in identifying and checking the activities of fake journalists. Proper identification should be demanded during official engagements and other activities involving the corps to prevent impersonation and protect the integrity of the profession.”