The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered a criminal network involved in the production and distribution of fake diplomatic and official government number plates allegedly used by criminals to beat security checks and gain unauthorised access to restricted locations.
FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, said the operation followed intelligence reports linking the illegal number plates to criminal activities across Abuja. Investigations later exposed both the individuals using the fake plates and those responsible for producing and supplying them.
During coordinated operations across different parts of the Federal Capital Territory, police recovered more than 80 fake diplomatic and government registration plates, including those bearing the Presidency and other official institutions. Several suspects were arrested and are currently in custody.
According to the police, those behind the scheme used the counterfeit number plates to move freely through security checkpoints, gain access to government offices and avoid suspicion while allegedly carrying out criminal activities.
Investigators also discovered that buyers paid between ₦500,000 and ₦1.7 million to obtain the fake number plates, suggesting the operation was a well-organised criminal enterprise. Police said the manufacturers have been identified and efforts are underway to arrest them.
The command warned that anyone involved in producing, selling or using fake government registration plates would face prosecution, stressing that the crackdown would continue until the entire network is dismantled.
Police also appealed to residents to report suspicious vehicles displaying diplomatic or official government number plates, noting that genuine diplomatic plates follow recognised registration formats that can easily be verified.
The discovery formed part of a wider security operation in Abuja, during which officers also recovered stolen public infrastructure, including drainage covers, solar street lights and electricity cables, as authorities intensified efforts to tackle organised crime across the FCT.