…as Corps Marshal deploys full operational force
By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched an aggressive nationwide enforcement and safety campaign under the 2025 Operation Zero Exercise, as the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, ordered the total deployment of personnel, patrol teams and operational assets across the country to curb road crashes and reckless driving during the peak end-of-year travel season.
In a directive issued to all Commanding Officers nationwide, the Corps Marshal mandated 100 per cent deployment in strict compliance with the operational guidelines of Operation Zero, declaring zero tolerance for negligence, compromise or operational laxity. The directive, according to an official statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, reflects the Corps’ resolve to dominate the highways, enforce discipline and protect lives during the festive period.
Operation Zero Exercise, which commenced on 15 December 2025 and will run until 15 January 2026, is a high-impact, intelligence-driven nationwide operation designed to ensure round-the-clock patrols, effective traffic management, prompt emergency response and uncompromising enforcement of traffic laws. All FRSC formations have been directed to prioritise critical corridors, crash-prone locations, gridlock points and major inter-state routes, while maintaining sustained visibility of operatives as a strong deterrent against traffic violations.
The Corps Marshal charged Commanding Officers to lead from the front, enforce strict discipline among operatives and ensure optimal utilisation of patrol vehicles, ambulances, speed-limiting devices and other safety equipment. He stressed that professionalism, integrity and firmness must define every interaction with road users, warning that any form of dereliction of duty or compromise would attract severe sanctions.
Reinforcing the Corps’ zero-tolerance stance, Shehu Mohammed declared that mixed loading and distracted driving would not be tolerated under the Operation Zero Exercise. He warned that vehicles conveying passengers alongside goods or animals, as well as drivers engaging in phone use or other distractions while driving, would be decisively sanctioned. He also directed that prompt rescue of crash victims and immediate removal of broken-down vehicles and other obstructions must be treated as top operational priorities to prevent secondary crashes and traffic gridlock.
The Corps Marshal further called on construction and road maintenance companies working on major highways to open up carriageways where possible, clear avoidable bottlenecks and ensure effective traffic control around work zones throughout the festive travel period. He noted that easing congestion at construction points would significantly reduce travel delays, improve safety and lessen the hardship faced by motorists.
Beyond enforcement, Operation Zero places strong emphasis on public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement. FRSC personnel have been directed to intensify safety advocacy at motor parks, markets, religious centres and public gatherings, reminding motorists that speeding, drunk driving, dangerous overtaking, overloading and disregard for road signs remain leading causes of fatal crashes and will attract firm enforcement actions.
The Corps Marshal also emphasised enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies, emergency responders, transport unions and community leaders to ensure seamless traffic control and swift response to crashes and obstructions. He noted that the success of Operation Zero would be measured by tangible outcomes, including reduced road traffic crashes, fewer injuries and fatalities, improved travel time and increased public confidence in road safety management.
Reaffirming the FRSC’s commitment to its statutory mandate, Shehu Mohammed urged all road users to take personal responsibility for safety and cooperate with FRSC operatives and other law enforcement agencies. He stressed that every life matters and that every crash is preventable, assuring Nigerians that the Corps remains fully mobilised and resolute in delivering safer roads and safer journeys during the festive season, in line with its vision of zero crashes, zero injuries and zero deaths on Nigerian roads.
