Carrying passengers together with animals or goods is dangerous and can have disastrous consequences. Goods should not be transported together with human beings
By Moses Okorie
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Anambra State Sector Command, has arrested 121 motorists for allegedly committing 214 traffic offences during the ongoing nationwide “Operation Total Compliance” enforcement exercise.
Speaking during the operation in Awka on Wednesday, the Sector Commander, Mrs. Bridget Asekhauno, said the three-day enforcement campaign was simultaneously conducted across the FRSC’s 12 operational zones nationwide.
Represented by the Officer-in-Charge of Motor Vehicle Administration, Deputy Corps Commander (DCC) Gloria Ezeugwu, Asekhauno explained that the exercise was aimed at promoting compliance with road safety regulations, reducing traffic violations, and preventing road crashes through a combination of enforcement and public education.
According to her, the offences recorded during the operation included overloading, failure to install or use speed limiting devices, driving without valid driver’s licences, attempted bribery of FRSC personnel, dangerous driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
She disclosed that 27 motorists were apprehended for overloading, while 34 were booked for violating regulations on speed limiting devices. Ten drivers were arrested for operating vehicles without valid driver’s licences, and four were caught attempting to bribe FRSC officials.
In addition, two motorists each were arrested for dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Asekhauno stressed that the operation was specifically designed to curb reckless driving practices that continue to endanger lives on Nigerian roads.
“The essence of the exercise is to check drivers’ excesses, including overloading and mixed loading. Carrying passengers together with animals or goods is dangerous and can have disastrous consequences. Goods should not be transported together with human beings,” she said.
She expressed concern over motorists who deliberately bypass safety regulations by disabling installed speed limiting devices to exceed approved speed limits.
“We are also targeting drivers operating without speed limiting devices. Some even deactivate the devices after installation to enable them exceed the prescribed speed limits,” she added.
The sector commander noted that the exercise combines strict enforcement, mobile court prosecution of offenders, and sustained public enlightenment campaigns to ensure road safety messages reach motorists across communities.
She urged drivers to comply with all traffic regulations and embrace safer driving habits, particularly as the busy ember months approach.
According to her, road safety is a shared responsibility that requires the cooperation of both motorists and enforcement agencies.
“Safer roads can only be achieved when both motorists and the FRSC play their respective roles,” Asekhauno said.