By Our Correspondent
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has recorded 6,454 traffic offences, including more than 1,600 number plate violations, during the second phase of its nationwide enforcement operation, Operation Guduma II.
The operation, which was conducted from November 2 to 6, 2026, across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), also resulted in the interception of five vehicles using fake diplomatic number plates.
The Corps said the exercise was designed to combat vehicle identity fraud, particularly the illegal use of diplomatic registration plates, which it described as a threat to national security, effective law enforcement and public safety.
The FRSC Public Education Officer at its National Headquarters in Abuja, Osondu Ohaeri, said the operation was authorised by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, following concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.
Ohaeri explained that the exercise sought to strengthen surveillance, detect fraudulent vehicle identities and enforce compliance with vehicle registration and traffic regulations.
He said enforcement teams were deployed to Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT to identify and apprehend offenders.
According to him, the number of violations recorded during the second phase represented a significant increase from the first phase of Operation Guduma, which documented 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences.
He attributed the increase to improved operational visibility, targeted surveillance and coordinated enforcement, stressing the need for sustained efforts to uncover violations that might otherwise escape detection.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to preventing motorists from using fraudulent vehicle identities to evade law enforcement or compromise national security.
He described vehicle number plates as essential tools for national security, identification and traceability, warning that offenders would be dealt with regardless of their status.
Mohammed also pledged that Operation Guduma would be sustained and extended to other parts of the country through improved personnel deployment, intelligence-led operations and stronger collaboration with relevant security agencies.
The Corps urged motorists to avoid using fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, advising them to ensure that their vehicles carry valid and officially approved registration plates.
Meanwhile, the FRSC Sector Commander in Delta State, Charles Edem, has called on road users to demonstrate greater responsibility to curb the persistent loss of lives resulting from road traffic crashes.
Edem made the appeal during activities commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Crash Victims, held under the theme, “The Light That Unites Us.”
He described road traffic crashes as a major national concern, noting that they destroy families, truncate promising futures and leave survivors with lasting physical, emotional and psychological injuries.
He called on motorists, transport operators, passengers, pedestrians and government agencies to collaborate in promoting responsible road use and preventing avoidable crashes.
According to him, the annual remembrance offers an opportunity to honour victims, support bereaved families and survivors, and renew collective commitment to improving road safety across the country.
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