Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps in Abia State has launched the second stage of Operation GUDUMA, a nationwide enforcement patrol targeting motorists using forged, obscured, altered, expired or unauthorised diplomatic registration plates.
The action follows security concerns raised by the Office of the National Security Adviser over the potential use of improper number plates by criminal networks. The Abia State Sector Command said the operation will run from Monday through Friday this week.
Quick facts
- Operation GUDUMA is aimed at fake, covered, defaced, obsolete and unauthorised diplomatic plates.
- The patrol is being carried out nationwide, with enforcement in Abia State running Monday to Friday.
- Authorities say illicit plates may help offenders avoid arrest and commit criminal acts.
- Assistant Corps Marshal Oki Adetunji will lead the exercise in Abia State on behalf of the Corps Marshal.
Sector Commander CC Ngozi Ezeoma said the campaign forms part of broader FRSC efforts to confront security risks linked to the misuse of vehicle registration numbers while improving safety and security on the country’s roads.
She said the National Security Adviser’s office had warned that the growing circulation of counterfeit and unauthorised plates had reportedly created openings for criminals to evade law-enforcement agencies and carry out illegal activities.
The Abia command is ready to implement the operation in line with instructions from the Corps Marshal, Ezeoma said.
Enforcement teams will identify and apprehend drivers found with offending plates, while also maintaining the movement of traffic along designated routes. The exercise will follow established operational rules and professional standards, she added.
Vehicles displaying diplomatic registration plates will be approached respectfully and dealt with in full observance of applicable diplomatic procedures, Ezeoma said.
