FRSC begins crackdown on fake diplomatic, unauthorised number plates

The Federal Road Safety Corps on Monday commenced an immediate crackdown on vehicles using fake diplomatic and unauthorised number plates across the country.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, issued the directive as part of efforts to address the growing security concerns linked to fraudulent vehicle registrations.

According to the statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the proliferation of these fake number plates has been confirmed, with suspected criminals reportedly producing and using them without authorisation from any of the corps’ licensed production facilities or State Motor Licensing Authorities.

“In line with his administration’s proactive approach towards contributing to enhancing national security, the Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed has directed the immediate clampdown on confirmed cases of the proliferation of fake diplomatic and other unauthorised number plates as seen on some vehicles plying Nigerian roads.

“These identified number plates are fraudulently produced by suspected criminals as they were neither produced by any of the production plants of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the country nor issued by the Motor Licensing Authorities of States,” the statement read in part.

The unauthorised plates feature various misleading inscriptions, including those purporting to be diplomatic or linked to organisations such as the “Diplomatic number plates, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Peace Ambassador, NAUS, CYMS, UN-UNITY 01, UN-AMB, and the National Association of Nigerian Students.”

The FRSC has raised the alarm over the increasing use of these fake number plates, noting that they are often employed in criminal activities.

The Corps Marshal’s order has set off tactical enforcement operations aimed at identifying and impounding vehicles displaying such plates, which will be carried out across all formations of the FRSC, with a focus on ensuring that no unauthorised number plates remain in circulation.

The public has been advised to report any instances of vehicles using these fake number plates to law enforcement agencies, as part of a broader effort to enhance national security.

The FRSC also warned vehicle owners currently using such number plates to cease their use immediately, as violators will face legal action.

“By this notice, the public is hereby cautioned that these fake and unauthorised number plates are mostly used for nefarious and criminal activities. Under the foregoing, members of the public are advised to report anyone using such number plates to law enforcement bodies.

“Members of the public who are presently using such vehicle identifications are by this publication warned to immediately discontinue the use of these fake and unauthorised plates as defaulters will be prosecuted,” the statement added.

In a bid to identify the sources of these illegal plates and apprehend those responsible, the FRSC will work closely with other security agencies, as it plans to investigate the production and distribution networks behind the fake plates, to prosecute all involved parties.

He vowed that the FRSC would ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice, reinforcing the corps’ commitment to maintaining road safety and security across Nigeria.