Eid-el-Fitr: FRSC Boss Shehu Mohammed Rolls Out Nationwide Special Patrol for Safer Travels

Eid-el-Fitr: FRSC Boss Shehu Mohammed Rolls Out Nationwide Special Patrol for Safer Travels

By Abdul Jelil Adebayo

As Nigerians prepare to celebrate the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr, the Federal Government has declared public holidays, while the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), under the leadership of Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, has launched a nationwide Special Patrol Operation to ensure the safety of motorists and other road users during the festive period.

The initiative, in line with the Corps’ statutory mandate, aims to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries, while also ensuring the free flow of traffic across major highways.

According to the Corps Marshal, the operation will feature increased patrol visibility, strategic deployment of rescue teams, and intensified public enlightenment campaigns to guide road users throughout the Sallah celebrations.

He noted that Eid-el-Fitr is traditionally marked by heavy vehicular movement as Muslim faithful travel to celebrate with family and loved ones. In anticipation of this surge, the Corps has mobilised its operational assets to mitigate risks associated with speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, mobile phone use while driving, route violations, and other traffic infractions.

Shehu Mohammed assured the public of 24-hour patrol coverage along critical road corridors nationwide. This will be supported by standby rescue teams, ambulances, tow trucks, patrol vehicles, and motorbikes to guarantee swift emergency response.

He reminded personnel that the FRSC’s mandate extends beyond enforcement to safeguarding lives, promoting responsible road use, and serving Nigerians with professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

The operation will also prioritise the prompt removal of obstructions from highways and close monitoring of traffic situations to minimise delays. Enforcement will focus on major violations including excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, road obstruction, overloading, mixed loading of passengers and goods, seatbelt violations, and the use of mechanically deficient vehicles.

Under the leadership of Shehu Mohammed, the Corps has embarked on a comprehensive institutional reform agenda aimed at strengthening discipline, enhancing professionalism, and promoting a culture of service excellence across all Commands.

As part of this reform, the Corps Management Team has been deployed to Field Commands nationwide for a structured retreat and reorientation programme designed to recalibrate operational standards, boost productivity, and eliminate unprofessional conduct.

The Corps Marshal made it clear that any behaviour undermining public trust or compromising the Corps’ mandate will not be tolerated. The nationwide engagement also focuses on strengthening ethical compliance, improving supervisory accountability, standardising enforcement protocols, and entrenching a citizen-centred approach in all operations.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, he emphasised that the Corps remains resolute in delivering professional, humane, and efficient road safety services to Nigerians.

In a related development, the Corps Marshal has ordered the immediate deployment of a high-level tactical team to the AYA–Nyanya Expressway in Abuja following a series of road traffic crashes along the corridor.

The team, led by Assistant Corps Marshal (Operations), Olusegun Ogungbemide, has been tasked with conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the causes of the crashes and recommending evidence-based solutions.

This move, he explained, aligns with the Corps’ proactive strategy of identifying risks, eliminating hazards, and strengthening operational presence on critical routes. It also complements the ongoing Eid-el-Fitr Special Patrol aimed at ensuring seamless traffic flow and safer journeys nationwide.

“By integrating tactical investigation with intensified patrol, the Corps is reinforcing its dual approach of enforcement and prevention, delivering real-time solutions to emerging road safety challenges,” he stated.

The Corps Marshal reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and urged motorists, commuters, and pedestrians to cooperate fully with FRSC personnel and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.

He assured the motoring public of the Corps’ readiness to deploy innovative strategies and respond swiftly to emerging threats to public safety.

While wishing Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyful Eid-el-Fitr celebration, Shehu Mohammed called on all road users to obey traffic rules, avoid speeding, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and exercise patience on the roads.

He reaffirmed the Corps’ unwavering commitment to creating a safer motoring environment for all Nigerians.