The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the nationwide deployment of personnel and logistics for the 2026 Eid-El-Fitr Special Patrol Operations scheduled to run from March 17 to 22.
The directive is part of efforts to ensure safe travel for motorists during the festive period.
According to a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Felicia Kalu, at the FRSC National Headquarters in Abuja, the special patrol aligns with the Corps’ statutory responsibility of ensuring safer road use across Nigeria.
She said the operation is designed to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries, while ensuring the free flow of traffic on major highways. It will involve increased patrol visibility, strategic deployment of rescue teams and enhanced public enlightenment campaigns to guide motorists and other road users during the Sallah celebrations.
The Corps Marshal noted that the Eid-El-Fitr period is traditionally characterised by high vehicular movement across the country as Muslim faithful travel to celebrate with family and loved ones.
He said the Corps has mobilised its operational assets to manage the expected surge in traffic and prevent avoidable crashes caused by speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, route violations and other traffic infractions.
Mohammed disclosed that the Corps will maintain 24-hour patrol operations along critical road corridors nationwide, supported by standby rescue teams, operational ambulances, tow trucks, patrol vehicles and motorbikes to ensure prompt response to emergencies.
He added that the operation will also involve the immediate removal of obstructions from highways and close monitoring of traffic situations to minimise delays for road users.
The special operation will prioritise enforcement against major traffic violations including excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, road obstruction, overloading, mix-loading of passengers and goods, seat belt violations and the operation of mechanically deficient vehicles.
In addition, the enforcement drive will be complemented by public enlightenment activities aimed at encouraging voluntary compliance with traffic rules.
As part of the operational strategy, commanding officers across FRSC sectors have been directed to ensure full deployment of operational equipment such as patrol vehicles, advanced life support ambulances, tow trucks, radar guns, breathalysers, traffic cones, patrol bikes and communication gadgets.
Special Marshals have also been encouraged to actively participate in traffic control operations across commands during the period.
The Corps Marshal further stressed that effective collaboration will be maintained with other security and emergency response agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, to ensure quick response to emergencies and maintain order on highways.
Kalu added that the Corps will utilise its National Traffic Radio 107.1FM to provide real-time traffic updates, travel advisories and alternative route guidance for motorists throughout the period.
Members of the public were also urged to report crashes, traffic obstructions or emergencies through the FRSC emergency toll-free number 122 or 0700-CALL-FRSC.
While wishing Muslim faithful a peaceful Eid-El-Fitr celebration, the Corps Marshal urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel and other law enforcement agencies by obeying traffic rules, avoiding speeding, ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and exercising patience while driving.
He reiterated that the Corps remains committed to its mandate of creating a safer motoring environment for all road users across the country.
