The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has impounded over 350 vehicles nationwide within a month for using unauthorized number plates.
Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC Public Education Officer, revealed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday
According to him, the crackdown was initiated on February 3, targets vehicles with fake registration numbers and illegal use of number plates across private, commercial, government, and diplomatic categories.
”The initial intervention, which began in Abuja, targeted vehicles bearing fake diplomatic numbers, unrecognised number plates, and other related infractions
Ogungbemide emphasized that the crackdown aims to enhance road safety and national security.
He stated, “The proliferation of fake number plates poses significant security risks, undermining law enforcement efforts and compromising national security.”
The initial two-week intervention began in Abuja and was subsequently extended nationwide.
Ogungbemide noted that the enforcement is ongoing, highlighting that unauthorized number plates present major security concerns.
Vehicle owners are urged to acquire legal number plates through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a process described as simple and affordable.
He revealed that “We impounded 350 vehicles in one month of the operation.”
“We impounded vehicles using fake diplomatic numbers, unrecognised number plates. We don’t know where they were printed from and we don’t know who gave them the permission.
“The enforcement is still ongoing. You know it is not the issue of road safety alone. It goes into security too because a situation where you have proliferation of number plates all over the place is a major issue when it comes to the issue of security.
“That is why we are concerned over it and that’s why we believe the right thing must be done.”
Ogungbemide cautioned against the unauthorized use of “fancy number plates,” warning that such actions would attract sanctions. He explained that while fancy number plates may be desirable, they must be obtained through legitimate means to avoid compromising road safety and national security
“It is wrong for anyone to just pick up a board and write his name on it. This country has laws, so things are to be done according to the laws.
“For number plates, the process is very simple. Vehicle owners who can afford millions of naira to acquire a vehicle should be able to spend a few thousand naira to get a legal number plate. It’s a matter of prioritising safety and security,” he said.
Ogungbemide later reaffirmed that FRSC is dedicated to ensuring that all vehicles on Nigerian roads display authorized number plates.
He further urgee citizens to report any vehicles with suspicious or unauthorized number plates to the nearest FRSC office, highlighting that such vigilance is crucial for maintaining road safety and national security.