The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has declared that it will not bow to threats from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) over the ongoing clampdown on vehicles with fake number plates. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining road safety and upholding the integrity of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), despite resistance from any individual or group.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, emphasized that the agency’s primary duty is to ensure the safety and security of all road users. He warned that the FRSC would not be deterred from carrying out its statutory responsibilities, especially regarding the regulation and enforcement of proper vehicle identification.
The FRSC’s response came after it was alerted to reports of threats allegedly made by NANS, as seen in various media platforms. According to the reports, NANS had threatened to shut down any FRSC command that impounded students’ vehicles during the agency’s special operations targeting fake number plates.
Mohammed explained that these special operations were launched due to the increasing abuse of Nigerian number plates by organizations and individuals attempting to evade law enforcement. He noted that such illegal activities could undermine the progress made in ensuring uniformity, security, and proper data storage under the National Uniform Licensing Scheme (NULS).
“These operations became necessary following reports of widespread forgery and duplication of number plates, even by some reputable Nigerians and organizations. If this growing trend is not immediately addressed, national security could be severely compromised, considering that a significant portion of criminal activities is linked to vehicle-related offenses,” Mohammed stated.
Expressing disappointment over the alleged threats from students, he said it was surprising that young Nigerians, expected to be law-abiding, would resort to intimidation instead of supporting the fight against crime. He stressed that the FRSC’s mission is to ensure order in the vehicle registration system and prevent the return of chaos that once plagued the number plate system in Nigeria.
In response to the threats, Mohammed issued a directive to FRSC Commanding Officers nationwide, instructing them not to succumb to any form of intimidation or pressure from individuals or organizations attempting to disrupt the enforcement of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme. He insisted that maintaining the integrity of the licensing system is crucial for national security and public safety.
Despite its firm stance, the FRSC has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the leadership of NANS to address any concerns regarding the ongoing operations. The agency assured that it remains open to discussions that could foster mutual understanding while emphasizing that its crackdown on fake number plates is non-negotiable.
As the FRSC continues its operations, road users are urged to ensure that their vehicle registrations are authentic and in line with national standards, as the agency remains steadfast in enforcing the law to protect lives and prevent criminal activities linked to fake number plates.
