FRSC LAUNCHES EASTER PATROLS, WARNS AGAINST SPEEDING AND OVERLOADING

Read Time:1 Minute, 51 Second

By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched its 2026 Easter Special Patrol Operations, running from April 1 to 8, to ensure safe and smooth travel for road users during the holiday period.

In a statement on Wednesday, signed by Acting Corps Public Education Officer Felicia Kalu, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the operation was prompted by the anticipated rise in vehicular and human traffic as Nigerians join the global Christian community in celebrating Easter.

The Corps has flagged high-risk and high-traffic routes for special monitoring, including Lagos-Ibadan, Sagamu-Ore-Benin, Abuja-Lokoja, Benin-Auchi-Okene, Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, Ilorin-Mokwa-Birnin Gwari, Bauchi-Gombe, and major eastern corridors such as Onitsha-Asaba-Benin, Onitsha-Owerri, and Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt.

Mohammed stated that personnel and resources have been strategically deployed along these routes to improve traffic flow, ensure rapid emergency response, and increase operational visibility.

He added that the Corps will “step up enforcement against key traffic violations that contribute to road accidents,” including speeding, reckless driving, overloading, lane indiscipline, mobile phone use while driving, tyre defects, road obstructions, and the mixing of passengers with goods.

Special focus will also be placed on compliance with seat belt regulations, child restraint use, passenger manifest violations, and the operation of mechanically unsafe vehicles.

To strengthen compliance, Mohammed stated that “mobile courts will be stationed along major routes to promptly prosecute offenders. This initiative aims to deliver immediate justice under existing traffic laws while fostering discipline and accountability among road users.”

The FRSC has also activated 24-hour patrol, rescue, and traffic management services, supported by patrol vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks, and modern enforcement equipment.

Mohammed stated, “Public awareness campaigns will be intensified via National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM and other media platforms to provide real-time travel updates and safety information.”

He reassured Nigerians of the Corps’ commitment to “protecting lives and property on the nation’s highways” and urged motorists to “follow traffic regulations, avoid risky driving behaviors, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting out on any journey.”

Members of the public are advised to reach the Corps during emergencies through the toll-free line 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.