OVER 1,000 VEHICLES IMPOUNDED IN FAKE DIPLOMATIC NUMBER PLATE CRACKDOWN

OVER 1,000 VEHICLES IMPOUNDED IN FAKE DIPLOMATIC NUMBER PLATE CRACKDOWN

The Federal Government and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have intensified efforts to curb the abuse of diplomatic and official number plates across the country, following the impoundment of more than 1,000 vehicles using fake diplomatic registrations.

In a joint statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the FRSC announced plans to strengthen collaboration through enhanced information sharing and the integration of diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases for real-time verification.

The statement, signed by Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa and FRSC Corps Public Education Officer Osondu Ohaeri, also raised concerns over the illegal use of ambassadorial titles and fake diplomatic passports by some individuals.

FRSC Assistant Corps Marshal, Olusegun Ogungbemide, disclosed that recent nationwide enforcement operations uncovered over 1,000 vehicles operating with fake diplomatic plates, cloned registration documents and unauthorized government number plates.

The two agencies warned that the misuse of diplomatic privileges poses serious national security threats, undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity and damages the country’s international reputation.

They noted that such fraudulent practices could also be exploited for criminal activities and pledged to sustain enforcement measures against offenders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FRSC further announced plans to embark on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the legal implications of forgery, impersonation and the unlawful use of diplomatic credentials.

They urged members of the public to report suspected cases of abuse to relevant law enforcement agencies.