The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has arrested 7,798 individuals across Nigeria for using fake vehicle number plates in just two months.
The crackdown aims to combat the rising use of fraudulent number plates, which pose severe security risks. Vehicles with fake registrations make it difficult for law enforcement to track criminals and ensure public safety. The FRSC is urging all motorists to verify their number plates and report any suspicious activity.
Mass Arrests Amid Security Concerns
FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made the announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on FRSC in Abuja. The meeting was called in response to concerns about the increasing number of fake vehicle registrations across the country.
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Mohammed emphasized that offenders have resisted enforcement efforts, but the FRSC remains committed to tackling the issue. “The use of fake number plates is a direct threat to national security. It obstructs investigations and allows criminals to operate undetected,” he stated.
Impact on National Security
Security agencies rely on vehicle identification to track stolen cars, investigate crimes, and ensure road safety. Fake number plates make this process nearly impossible. According to the Lagos State Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, many of these plates falsely display tags linked to high-profile institutions, including the Presidency, the Nigerian Youth Council (NYC), and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
“These fake plates do not exist in the official database. When a crime is committed, tracing the vehicle becomes impossible,” Hamzat explained. The FRSC is working to eliminate fake number plates through stricter enforcement and enhanced tracking systems.
Strengthening Enforcement Measures
The FRSC is seeking legislative backing to tighten penalties for offenders. Mohammed has called on the National Assembly to support efforts in strengthening laws that deter motorists from using fraudulent registrations.
Additionally, the FRSC is enhancing its National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) portal to prevent unauthorized registrations. The Corps has also launched a special nationwide operation to detect and remove fake number plates from circulation.
Nigerians are urged to verify their number plates and report suspicious cases to the nearest FRSC command. “Compliance is key to ensuring national security,” Mohammed stressed. The crackdown continues, with more arrests expected as the FRSC intensifies its efforts.
