POLICE UNCOVER FAKE DIPLOMATIC NUMBER PLATE SYNDICATE, RECOVER STOLEN PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN FCT
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has uncovered a network involved in the illegal production and use of fake diplomatic and official government number plates while also recovering stolen public infrastructure from suspected vandals across Abuja.
The Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, disclosed the development on Friday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, recovered public assets include drainage covers, solar-powered street lights, armoured electricity cables and internet communication cables stolen from various parts of the Federal Capital Territory.
Sanusi said the recoveries followed intelligence-led operations and proactive anti-crime patrols carried out in Maitama, Garki, Durumi, Jabi, Apo Legislative Quarters, Lugbe and Nyanya.
He identified five suspects arrested in connection with the vandalism as Godwin Aja, Mustapha Nasiru, Ibrahim Garba, Abdulrasheed Sale and Dabarani Mujitafa.
The police commissioner described the destruction of public infrastructure as economic sabotage, warning that the theft of drainage covers, street lights and electricity cables has contributed to road accidents, increased crime in poorly lit areas and power outages in affected communities.
He warned scrap dealers and other buyers of stolen government property that the police had expanded investigations to dismantle the entire criminal supply chain, stressing that anyone involved in purchasing or disposing of stolen infrastructure would be brought to justice.
Sanusi added that all recovered public assets would be handed over to the Federal Capital Territory Administration for reinstallation to restore damaged facilities and improve public safety.
The police commissioner also revealed that the command had recovered several fake diplomatic and official government number plates allegedly used by criminals to evade security checks and gain unauthorised access to restricted locations.
He said investigations into the racket began after reports of the widespread use of diplomatic and government registration plates by unauthorised individuals.
According to him, investigators uncovered both the users and the network responsible for producing and distributing the fake number plates, noting that the suspects currently in custody will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Sanusi disclosed that although the manufacturers operate outside the FCT, security agencies have identified them and are working to apprehend them.
He further revealed that investigations showed some suspects paid between ₦500,000 and ₦1.7 million to obtain the fake diplomatic and government number plates.
The commissioner urged residents and journalists to report vehicles bearing suspicious diplomatic registration numbers, explaining that genuine diplomatic plates follow a recognised format.
He warned that criminals use fake diplomatic plates to bypass security checkpoints and gain unrestricted access to government ministries and agencies, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling crime and dismantling criminal networks operating within the Federal Capital Territory.
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