The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced a nationwide operation to clamp down on vehicles with fake diplomatic and unauthorized plate numbers.
In a statement by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday, FRSC said the move is aimed at bolstering national security and curbing criminal activities.
According to the statement, the directive was issued by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, and targets the proliferation of fraudulent number plates bearing inscriptions such as Diplomatic Number Plates, NYCN, Peace Ambassador, NAUS, CYMS, UN-Unity 01, UN-AMB, and NANS, among others.
He clarified that the plates are neither produced by FRSC nor its licensed partners.
“These fake number plates are often linked to criminal activities, and their continued use poses a serious threat to national security,” the statement read.
Ogungbemide noted that vehicles found using such plates will be impounded, and their owners prosecuted.
He stated that the FRSC will collaborate with other security agencies to identify and shut down the sources of those fake plates and ensure both producers and users face the full weight of the law.
The Corps also urged members of the public to report individuals using these illegal number plates to law enforcement agencies, while vehicle owners currently using such plates were advised to discontinue their use immediately to avoid legal repercussions.
“The FRSC remains resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s security architecture. Offenders will not be spared,” the statement added.