Kaduna: The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has escalated its enforcement operations across the nation to remove dangerous drivers and eradicate life-threatening practices on major highways as Nigerians commence their end-of-year travels. This initiative is part of the Zero Tolerance special operation for the festive season.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, detailed the measures on Monday during a strategic monitoring of vehicular movement in Kaduna. The FRSC has deployed officers and resources to crucial corridors connecting Kaduna, Abuja, and Lokoja, addressing the heavy traffic observed in recent days, particularly along the Abuja-Lokoja Road.
Mohammed stated that the end-of-year patrol for the Kaduna and Abuja axis has been significantly ramped up, focusing on the Lokoja-Abuja Road due to notable traffic movement in the past three days. The monitoring efforts have extended to the Abuja-Kaduna Road, where ongoing construction could exacerbate congestion if not managed properly. The zero tolerance operation targets not only traffic control but also removing drivers engaged in speeding, driving under influence, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors.
The FRSC leader revealed that after the Kaduna operation, the monitoring team would return to the Abuja-Lokoja corridor to maintain enforcement and traffic management. Although traffic volume was relatively low in the early hours, it is anticipated to increase as the day progresses, underscoring the necessity for early intervention.
Mohammed expressed concerns regarding the prevalent issue of overloading, especially the practice of mixed loading involving passengers and goods on trucks. Efforts are being made to ensure passengers traveling atop trucks are transferred to safer vehicles. Nationwide enforcement directives have been issued to all sector commanders to ensure early deployment to traffic hotspots during the festive period. Reports indicate that FRSC personnel, including regular and special marshals, are actively engaged across the country.
The FRSC Corps Marshal urged motorists to exercise discipline, patience, and respect for other road users, warning that intimidation or bullying on the roads would not be tolerated. Drivers engaging in such behaviors will be removed to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety for all road users during the festive season.