The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a nationwide special patrol operation ahead of Eid-el-Kabir, deploying 36,000 personnel and 1,095 patrol assets across Nigeria.
Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, made this known in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Mohammed said the special patrols were in response to the declaration of Friday as the official date for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
He disclosed that a total of 36,000 regular and special marshals would be mobilised for the operation.
“Approximately 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks and over 200 motorbikes will be deployed across the country from Thursday, 6 June, until Tuesday, 11 June. This totals 1,095 operational logistics,” he said.
The Corps Marshal, who authorised the operation, said the aim was to ensure free traffic flow, prompt emergency response, and swift clearance of obstructions on major highways and key corridors throughout the festive period.
He added that the exercise was also designed to reduce road traffic crashes through active patrols and sustained public education.
“FRSC has a long-standing tradition of organising special patrols during festive periods to curb the usual traffic chaos, and this year’s Eid-el-Kabir will be no exception.
“Motorists must avoid traffic violations and prioritise their safety to prevent arrest, prosecution, or involvement in avoidable crashes,” he said.
To ensure effectiveness, Mohammed directed commanding officers nationwide to maintain strong visibility and coverage along 52 critical corridors.
He also urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies involved in traffic management.
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Mobile courts, he said, would be operational nationwide to ensure swift prosecution of traffic offenders.
He instructed operatives to pay particular attention to traffic control, dangerous overtaking, mobile phone use while driving, licence violations, lane discipline, removal of unroadworthy vehicles, and tyre safety compliance.
“To this end, we have deployed radar guns, breathalysers, and other operational equipment to detect speeding and drunk driving. Zebra crossings must also remain active and responsive during this period,” he added.
Major corridors under surveillance include:
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Akwanga–Lafia–Makurdi
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Jos–Bauchi–Gombe
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Sokoto–Tambuwal–Jega–Birnin Kebbi
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Katsina–Kano–Wudil–Dutse–Azare–Potiskum
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Kaduna–Saminaka–Jos
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Abuja–Kaduna–Kano
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Okene–Ogori–Isua–Owo
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Makurdi–Otukpo–Obollo Afor–9th Mile
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Asaba–Abraka–Ughelli–Warri
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Ibadan–Ogere–Sagamu
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Sagamu–Mowe–Lagos, among others
He said the operation would run in shifts: 06:00–14:00, 14:00–20:00, and 20:00–22:00, with night rescue teams on standby at operational bases.
FRSC will collaborate with military units, the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Department of State Services (DSS), state and NGO ambulance services, the National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS), and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
Mohammed urged all stakeholders to prioritise road safety and show courtesy to other road users to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration.
He encouraged passengers to speak out against reckless driving and called on the public to utilise the National Traffic Radio 107.1FM and the FRSC toll-free number 122 to report emergencies, obstructions, or traffic gridlock.
