The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dismissed threats by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to shut down its commands over ongoing crackdown on use of fake vehicle number plates.
The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing vehicle registration regulations, stressing that no intimidation would deter it from its mandate, reports Nigerian Tribune.
In a statement released yesterday, Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, described NANS’ threat as surprising, emphasising that students should be advocates of lawful conduct rather than opposing efforts to strengthen national security.
“It is difficult to comprehend that Nigerian students, who should be at the forefront of a law-abiding society, would resort to issuing threats against an organisation committed to ensuring a proper vehicle identification system,” Ogungbemide stated.
The FRSC clarified that the special operation targeting fake number plates was launched in response to increasing cases of forgery and duplication, which pose a threat to national security. The agency warned that unregulated use of number plates could enable criminal activities, given that many crimes involve the use of vehicles.
Despite the strong stance, the Corps expressed willingness to engage in discussions with NANS to provide further clarification on the ongoing enforcement exercise.
“The FRSC Management therefore, calls on the NANS leadership to reconsider and withdraw the reported threats as FRSC Commanding Officers nationwide have been directed not to succumb to any intimidation or threats by individual or organisations in the guise of promoting acts likely to compromise the objects of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme and national Security while carrying out their statutory responsibilities of keeping the nation’s highways safe and secure for all road users.
“FRSC commands nationwide have been directed not to succumb to any form of intimidation. However, we remain open to dialogue with NANS leadership for better understanding,” Ogungbemide added.
The agency urged NANS to reconsider its position and withdraw its threats while reiterating its commitment to upholding road safety and security in the country.
FRSC further added, “Meanwhile the Corps is open to dialogue with the Leadership of National Association of the Nigerian Students for more information and understanding on the ongoing operations.”
