By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded over 8,000 traffic and number plate-related violations during the second phase of its nationwide enforcement operation, code-named Operation GUDUMA II, as part of efforts to curb vehicle identity fraud and strengthen national security.
The operation, conducted from November 2 to 6, 2026, across 12 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), resulted in the interception of five vehicles bearing fake diplomatic number plates, more than 1,600 number plate-related violations and 6,454 other traffic offences.
According to an official statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, the operation was approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, following concerns raised by the National Assembly and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) over the security implications of vehicle identity violations.
The enforcement exercise covered Lagos, Ondo, Cross River, Benue, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba, Bauchi, Imo, Abia, Kano and the FCT, with dedicated operational teams deployed to strategic locations to identify and apprehend motorists involved in fraudulent vehicle registration and other traffic violations.
The Corps said the exercise was designed to strengthen surveillance, expose fraudulent vehicle identities and ensure compliance with established vehicle registration and road traffic regulations.
A comparison with the first phase of Operation GUDUMA, which recorded 1,003 number plate violations and 683 other traffic offences, showed a significant increase in violations detected during the second phase.
Commenting on the outcome, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, reiterated the Corps’ determination to prevent individuals from exploiting Nigerian roads to conceal their identities, evade law enforcement or undermine national security through fraudulent vehicle documentation.
He stressed that vehicle number plates were not mere identification accessories but critical instruments of national security, vehicle traceability and law enforcement, adding that the Corps would not relent in confronting their abuse, irrespective of the status or disposition of offenders.
Mohammed further assured Nigerians that Operation GUDUMA would be sustained and progressively expanded to other states of the federation, while operational strategies would be strengthened through improved personnel deployment, inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-led enforcement.
The FRSC also warned motorists against the use of fake, unauthorised, concealed or improperly displayed number plates, urging vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles carry duly registered and approved number plates and comply fully with existing traffic regulations.
The Corps maintained that no individual or vehicle was above the law, stressing that the ongoing operation was aimed at preventing Nigerian roads from becoming safe havens for identity fraud, criminal concealment and traffic indiscipline.
