By NICHOLAS DECHI

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said more than 1,600 motorists had been arrested in 11 states during the first phase of its special enforcement operation, named Operation Guduma.

The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Wednesday in Makurdi while speaking at the inauguration of the second phase of the operation in Benue.

Mohammed represented by the Corps Commander, Christopher Kuje, said the first phase was conducted between May 18 and May 22, adding that offenders apprehended during the operation were prosecuted.

He added that the motorists, who were found using fake diplomatic number plates, were handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

He said Guduma is an Hausa word meaning hammer, reflecting the Corps’ determination to deal decisively with traffic offenders, particularly those whose actions could undermine national security.

The corps marshal urged motorists to ensure their vehicles were duly registered and fitted with valid, legible and properly displayed number plates.

He warned that enforcement would continue at the state level even after the special intervention ends on Nov. 6.

According to him, the second phase commenced on Nov. 2, and was being conducted simultaneously in Benue and other 11states as efforts to curb traffic violations with potential national security implications.

He said that the five-day special patrol would target motorists using fake, covered, defaced or expired number plates as well as vehicles operating without registration plates.

The operation, he added, would also address overloading of passengers, animals and goods, alongside other traffic infractions.

Mohammed noted that vehicles operating without genuine registration number plates posed security risks because their owners and users could not be easily identified or traced when criminal activities committed.

The corps marshal said the personnel from the FRSC National Headquarters had been deployed to supervise the exercise in collaboration with state commands and other security agencies.

In her remarks, the Benue Sector Commander, Victory Kayode-Oni, advised motorists to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy and that all relevant vehicle documents were complete before embarking on any journey.

She warned that failure to comply with traffic regulations could attract sanctions, urging motorists to prioritise safety and obey the traffic laws. (NAN)