Fake diplomatic plates seizure: FRSC impounds 1,000 vehicles nationwide as Nigeria tightens controls on forged diplomatic plates and impersonation

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have intensified a nationwide crackdown on the abuse of diplomatic and official vehicle identifiers, impounding about 1,000 vehicles fitted with fake diplomatic plate numbers across the country.

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The development was confirmed in a joint statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa and FRSC Corps Public Education Officer Osondu Ohaeri, following coordinated enforcement operations carried out nationwide.

According to the statement, the agencies have agreed to strengthen inter-agency collaboration to curb rising cases of impersonation involving diplomatic plates, official government numbers, and related documentation.

The statement noted that diplomatic accreditation records will now be linked with vehicle registration databases to enable real-time verification and reduce fraudulent usage.

Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide said enforcement teams intercepted approximately 1,000 vehicles allegedly using fake diplomatic plates, cloned documents, and unauthorised government-issued identifiers during nationwide operations.

The crackdown also revealed cases where individuals were allegedly found in possession of forged diplomatic credentials, including claims of ambassadorial titles and fake diplomatic passports.

Officials warned that the misuse of diplomatic number plates poses significant security risks, undermines Nigeria’s international credibility, and could be exploited to facilitate criminal activity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and FRSC described the development as a threat to national security and diplomatic integrity, stressing that such practices damage Nigeria’s image abroad.

Both agencies said they would launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the legal consequences of forgery, impersonation, and unauthorised use of official symbols and documents.

The ministry further urged members of the public to report suspected cases of abuse to relevant security agencies for prompt investigation and enforcement action.

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Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement efforts aimed at eliminating fraudulent practices linked to vehicle identification and diplomatic representation across the country.