FRSC Deploys 36,000 Officers to Crush Eid Traffic Chaos Nationwide

FRSC Deploys 36,000 Officers to Crush Eid Traffic Chaos Nationwide

FRSC has stepped up efforts to make this year’s Eid-el-Kabir travel season safer by launching a special operation involving 36,000 personnel and 1,095 patrol logistics nationwide.

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Malam Shehu Mohammed, gave the directive to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce road crashes across Nigeria during the busy holiday season. His statement, delivered through the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, showed how seriously the agency is taking the festive rush.

The nationwide operation, which kicked off on Thursday and will run through June 11, aims to protect road users as they travel to celebrate with loved ones. FRSC says the focus is on quick rescue, fast removal of broken-down vehicles, and helping traffic move freely on all major routes.

To carry out the plan, FRSC has deployed 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, and over 200 motorbikes. These tools will be spread across the 52 busiest traffic corridors in the country. The corps is also placing mobile courts at key points to deal quickly with reckless drivers.

Malam Mohammed explained that the goal is not just to catch lawbreakers but to prevent chaos and save lives. “FRSC has a tradition of organising special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterise the road during the celebrations. As such, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir would not be an exemption,” he said.

He advised drivers to be cautious and obey traffic rules. “Motorists must endeavour to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the Corps but falling prey to avoidable road crashes,” he warned.

To make this effort successful, commanding officers have been told to ensure their teams are active and visible on the 52 major corridors. These include high-traffic routes like Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Lagos-Ibadan, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, and Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos.

Mohammed stressed that the patrol teams will work in rotating shifts from morning till night. Rescue teams will also stay on standby to respond to emergencies anytime, day or night.

Drivers using expired or damaged tyres, or who don’t carry spares, will be flagged. Other violations FRSC will target include use of phones while driving, lane indiscipline, lack of valid driver’s license, overloading, and the use of rickety vehicles.

The Corps Marshal said, “To achieve this feat, the corps has deployed operational equipment in the categories of radar guns, breathalysers to put a check on drunk driving. Operational logistics materials are also to be fully deployed for this exercise.”

He added that “all zebras must be activated and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.” These zebras are traffic emergency units trained to respond fast.

The patrol operation is a joint effort. FRSC will work alongside the Nigerian Police, military units, NSCDC, DSS, ambulance services, and road maintenance agencies to keep travelers safe. Everyone involved has been asked to treat road users with care and respect.

Commuters are also being urged to cooperate with FRSC and speak out when they see unsafe driving. Mohammed said, “We call on all travellers to take advantage of the station and the FRSC toll-free numbers 122 to report any obstruction, crash or gridlock witnessed on the road for prompt intervention of the nearest Command.”

In addition, National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM will remain on-air 24 hours a day, sharing real-time updates to help drivers stay informed and plan better routes.

This bold move by the FRSC shows their deep concern for public safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With more officers, more vehicles, and stricter monitoring, Nigerians can hope for safer roads this Sallah.