By CHIAZO OGBOLU.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has arrested 292 offenders under its ongoing ‘Operation Guduma’ targeting fake diplomatic number plates and overloading in Lagos State.

The operation also led to the impoundment of 143 vehicles and confiscation of 149 illegal number plates and related items across enforcement corridors in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Sector Public Education Officer, FRSC Lagos Sector Command, SRC Elizabeth Jayeola.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘Operation Guduma’ was inaugurated on Monday as a nationwide enforcement exercise against fake diplomatic number plates.

The operation is equally designed to tackle persistent overloading violations, which authorities say contribute significantly to road crashes and traffic-related fatalities.

The exercise is being conducted simultaneously across 11 states of the federation and will run from May 18 to May 22.

The operation was inaugurated on behalf of the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, by the Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Adetunji Oki.

Oki commended the Lagos Sector Commander, Kehinde Hamzat, for professionalism, dedication and sustained commitment to effective road safety administration.

He described the Lagos Sector Command as one of the leading commands nationwide in operational performance and enforcement activities.

Oki reiterated the corps marshal’s directive on the ongoing operation, describing fake diplomatic plates and overloading as serious threats to public safety and national security.

He said increasing cases of insecurity, road traffic crashes, fatalities and destruction of property linked to such offences remained unacceptable.

He said: “FRSC remains the only authorised body responsible for the production and issuance of approved number plates for recognised government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“The command warns motorists and members of the public against the use of fake and unauthorised number plates with inscriptions such as Ambassador, NANS, NYCN, EYC-AMB and Agenda 63.”

He stressed that such number plates were illegal and warned that offenders would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Oki disclosed that the operation had so far recorded 292 offenders arrested, 143 vehicles impounded and 149 illegal number plates and related items confiscated.

Hamzat said the enforcement exercise conducted across major operational corridors in Lagos was successful and hitch-free.

“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring safer roads through sustained enforcement, public enlightenment and strategic stakeholder collaboration,” he said.

He urged members of the public to obey traffic regulations and report suspicious or fake vehicle registration activities to the nearest FRSC office. (NAN)