REPORTER: OBY ARINZE
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, says it has intensified efforts to strengthen road safety and national security with the inauguration of a special enforcement operation code-named “Operation Guduma” in Anambra State, targeted at curbing the growing menace of fake diplomatic number plates and overloading on major highways.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, made this known during the inauguration of the operation in Awka, Anambra State.
Represented by Assistant Corps Marshal, Oko Etuali, the Corps Marshal said the initiative became necessary following the increasing use of fake ambassadorial and diplomatic number plates by unauthorised persons.
He noted that the illegal use of such plates poses serious security threats, especially in view of the prevailing security challenges in the country.
The Corps Marshal explained that although the FRSC is responsible for the design and production of number plates, state governments are charged with the responsibility of issuing them to government officials.
He, however, observed that some former government officials often fail to return official number plates after leaving office, despite the plates having expiration dates for easy identification and monitoring.
Mr Mohammed stated that the enforcement exercise, already ongoing in some parts of the country, is being carried out in Anambra and Enugu States between May 18th and May 22nd.
On overloading, the FRSC boss warned motorists and transport operators against the practice, stressing that it endangers lives and contributes to road crashes.
He added that the Corps had commenced sensitisation campaigns for drivers and transporters on the dangers of overloading ahead of full enforcement.
The Corps Marshal further warned that offenders apprehended for overloading their vehicles would be sanctioned in line with extant road safety regulations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the FRSC to ensuring safer roads and improved compliance with traffic laws across the country.
