FRSC launches fresh crackdown on fake number plates, vehicle overloading in Benue
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated a renewed enforcement operation in Benue State aimed at apprehending motorists who violate vehicle registration and road traffic regulations, especially those whose offenses may pose security risks.
The operation, named Operation Guduma, marks the second phase of a nationwide intervention initiative, which spans Benue and 11 additional states. This five-day enforcement effort began on November 2, 2026.
During a flag-off ceremony on Tuesday at the Agan Toll Gate in Makurdi, Corps Commander Christopher Haruna Kuje, representing Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, outlined the operation’s focus. Authorities will target vehicles displaying fake, concealed, defaced, or expired number plates, in addition to unregistered vehicles.
Kuje noted that the operation would also address issues related to the overloading of passengers, animals, and goods. He explained that “Guduma,” meaning “hammer” in Hausa, represents the Corps’ commitment to clamp down on traffic violations and respond to security challenges associated with unidentifiable vehicles.
Kuje emphasized that the use of fraudulent or non-existent vehicle registration numbers complicates efforts for security agencies to identify vehicle owners and trace them in connection with reported criminal activities. He also confirmed that officers from the FRSC national headquarters will assist in monitoring the operation alongside state commands and other security agencies.
Reflecting on the first phase of Operation Guduma, Kuje reported that the previous effort, conducted from May 18 to May 22, 2026, resulted in the arrest of over 1,600 motorists across 11 states. Those apprehended were subjected to legal proceedings, and individuals utilizing counterfeit diplomatic number plates were referred to the Department of State Services for further investigation.
Kuje urged vehicle owners and drivers to adhere to registration requirements and follow traffic regulations, stating that the enforcement campaign will continue beyond the current patrol. The state commands, he warned, will maintain operational vigilance past November 6, 2026, the official end date of the five-day intervention.
