The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have intensified efforts to flush out fake diplomatic number plates and other fraudulent vehicle identification documents, following the discovery of widespread abuse across the country.
The move came as the FRSC disclosed that no fewer than 1,000 vehicles were intercepted during recent nationwide enforcement operations for using fake diplomatic plates, unauthorized government number plates, cloned registration documents and other illegally obtained vehicle identification materials.
The resolution was reached during a strategic meeting between the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, and the Deputy Corps Commander and Corps Public Education Officer of the FRSC, Osondu Ohaeri, at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja.
As part of the engagement, Ebienfa also met with Assistant Corps Marshal Operations, Olusegun Ogungbemide, to discuss measures aimed at tackling emerging security threats linked to fake diplomatic number plates and other fraudulent vehicle documentation.
Speaking during the meeting, Ebienfa revealed that the Ministry was already leading a campaign against the unauthorized use of ambassadorial titles by individuals who often possess fake diplomatic passports and diplomatic vehicle number plates.
According to him, the illegal use of diplomatic identities and privileges poses serious security concerns and undermines Nigeria’s international image.
The FRSC expressed concern over the growing trend, warning that the misuse of diplomatic and government vehicle identification systems could aid criminal activities, conceal identities and compromise national security.
Both agencies noted that the abuse of diplomatic privileges and immunities weakens established diplomatic norms and erodes confidence in official accreditation systems.
To address the challenge, the Ministry and the FRSC agreed to strengthen information sharing, improve verification procedures for diplomatic vehicles and establish a more effective framework for monitoring the issuance and use of diplomatic number plates.
They also resolved to explore advanced verification mechanisms that would integrate diplomatic accreditation records with vehicle registration databases to enable real-time authentication and prevent unauthorized use of diplomatic identities.
The Ministry commended the FRSC for its proactive enforcement operations and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Corps and other security agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system.
Both organisations further agreed to embark on public enlightenment campaigns to educate stakeholders on the proper use of diplomatic number plates and the legal consequences of forgery, impersonation and related offences.
The Ministry stressed that diplomatic number plates remain the exclusive property of accredited diplomatic missions, international organisations and duly recognised diplomatic personnel operating under established international protocols.
It warned that diplomatic privileges must not be transferred, sold, abused or used by unauthorized persons under any circumstance.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s diplomatic credibility and national security, the Ministry urged members of the public to report suspected cases of fake diplomatic number plates and forged diplomatic identification documents to relevant law enforcement agencies.
