By Nkechi Eze
In a bid to ensure safer roads and seamless travel during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has commenced a nationwide special patrol operation, deploying no fewer than 36,000 personnel and a wide range of operational logistics to critical corridors across the country.
The special operation, which begins Wednesday, June 5 and runs through Tuesday, June 11, 2025, was approved by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, as part of FRSC’s annual Sallah safety strategy.
According to an official signed statement by Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC’s spokesperson, the deployment includes 36,000 personnel comprising regular marshals and special marshals, 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, over 200 motorbikes, as well as enforcement tools such as radar guns and breathalysers.
“The objective is simple, ensure free flow of traffic, quick removal of obstructions, prompt rescue services, and the prevention of avoidable road crashes before, during, and after the Eid-el-Kabir holiday,” said Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed.
He emphasized that officers have been directed to intensify enforcement against critical traffic offences including wrongful overtaking, use of phones while driving, driver’s licence violations, lane indiscipline, expired or worn-out tyres, and lack of spare tyres.
“Officers will also remove rickety vehicles and ensure that all 52 designated critical corridors are fully manned throughout the operation,” he added.
Some of the corridors earmarked for heightened monitoring include Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; Sagamu–Mowe–Lagos; Ibadan–Ogere–Sagamu; Asaba–Abraka–Ughelli–Warri; Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi; Jos–Bauchi–Gombe; Sokoto–Jega–Birnin Kebbi, among others.
The Corps Marshal noted that the Sallah patrol is not just about enforcement but also about public education and safety consciousness. “This is a national responsibility. Motorists must obey all traffic rules and regulations. Cooperation with FRSC personnel and other agencies on the road is critical to keeping our highways safe,” he said.
To enhance response times, all FRSC Zebra emergency points will be fully activated, and the National Traffic Radio 107.1FM will maintain uninterrupted 24-hour operations to provide real-time traffic updates.
“We urge travellers to listen to the traffic station for route information and report crashes, breakdowns, or gridlocks via the FRSC Toll-Free number 122,” he said.
Justice for traffic offences will also be expedited through Mobile Courts deployed along major routes.
In addition, the Corps will operate in strategic shifts to maintain continuous coverage: 6:00am – 2:00pm, 2:00pm – 8:00pm, and 8:00pm – 10:00pm. Night rescue teams will be on standby at all operational commands.
The FRSC is working in synergy with military units along key routes, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services, State-owned and NGO ambulance services, the National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS), and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
The Corps Marshal appealed to all road users to exercise patience, vigilance, and civic responsibility throughout the festive period.
“Show empathy and consideration to fellow road users. Your behaviour behind the wheel can save lives. Speak up against reckless driving and don’t just be a passenger, be a participant in road safety,” he said.
