The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified nationwide enforcement activities to rid major highways of dangerous driving practices as millions of Nigerians travel for the Christmas and end-of-year holidays.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday during a strategic monitoring exercise of vehicular movement in Kaduna, carried out under the FRSC’s Zero Tolerance Special Operation for the festive season.
Mohammed said officers and logistics had been massively deployed to key road corridors linking Kaduna, Abuja and Lokoja, following a noticeable rise in traffic volume in recent days, particularly along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
“The end-of-year patrol for the Kaduna and Abuja axis has been massively deployed to the Lokoja–Abuja Road, where we have observed significant traffic movement over the past three days,” he said.
He explained that the monitoring exercise was also extended to the Abuja–Kaduna Road, where ongoing construction work could worsen congestion if not properly managed.
“We also decided to monitor the Abuja–Kaduna Road where construction is ongoing, to ensure free traffic flow and prevent unnecessary obstruction,” Mohammed added.
According to the FRSC boss, the special operation goes beyond traffic control and focuses on removing drivers who pose serious threats to other road users.
“The zero-tolerance operation targets speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving and other dangerous behaviours. Drivers engaged in such acts will be removed from the road to ensure safe movement for responsible motorists, passengers and commuters,” he stated.
Mohammed disclosed that the monitoring team would return to the Abuja–Lokoja corridor after concluding the Kaduna exercise to sustain enforcement and traffic management.
He noted that traffic was relatively light in the early hours but was expected to increase as the day progressed.
“So far this morning, traffic is low, but we expect it to build up as the hours go by. That is why we are here early—to address issues before they escalate,” he said.
The Corps Marshal also expressed concern over the prevalence of overloading, particularly the practice of conveying passengers and goods together on trucks, describing it as unsafe and unacceptable.
“We have observed cases of mixed loading on this route. Passengers found on top of trucks are being brought down and directed to continue their journeys in safer vehicles,” he said.
Nationwide Deployment Order
On nationwide enforcement, Mohammed revealed that all sector commanders across the federation had been directed to ensure early deployment of personnel to identified traffic hotspots throughout the festive period.
He said the directive was aimed at guaranteeing the constant presence of FRSC officials in areas known for heavy traffic during end-of-year travel.
According to him, reports from the past three days indicate that FRSC personnel—including regular and special marshals—are already fully engaged nationwide.
“Our officers and marshals are on the roads controlling traffic and supporting road users, and this operation will continue throughout the festive period and into January,” he said.
Mohammed urged motorists to exercise patience, discipline and respect for other road users, warning that the corps would not tolerate intimidation, bullying or reckless behaviour on the highways.
“We will not allow bullying or intimidation on the roads. Anyone found engaging in such conduct will be removed to ensure safe and smooth travel for all road users,” he warned.