By Theodore Opara

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, R.S 8 Zonal Command, comprising Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti states, has commenced a three-day special intervention patrol across the three states as directed by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Mohammed Shehu, as part of renewed efforts to reduce road traffic crashes and improve compliance with traffic regulations nationwide.

The exercise in the states, code-named “Operation Kasolayo”, Safe Arrival, began on Monday, July 20, and will run until Wednesday, July 22, 2026, targeting major highways, strategic transport corridors and identified crash-prone locations within the FRSC Zone RS8 Command.

The Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO) for the three states, Assistant Corps Marshal Ann Oladayo, led a team on Monday to patrol the Oko Olowo- Olooru- Bode Saadu – Jebba axis, the scene of the recent crash where multiple deaths were recorded as a result of overloading.

In her interaction with the press, the ZCO said the operation was approved by the Corps Marshal following an analysis of road traffic crashes recorded between January and June 2026.

According to her, the six-month assessment revealed that human-related factors remain the leading causes of road crashes, necessitating a combination of strict enforcement and intensive public education to promote safer driving habits.

Oladayo explained that enforcement teams will target offences including excessive speeding, dangerous and reckless driving, overloading of passengers and goods, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the use of worn-out tyres and other traffic violations that endanger lives.

To ensure effective implementation, the FRSC has deployed about 1,500 personnel supported by 50 patrol vehicles, patrol motorcycles, two heavy-duty tow trucks, one light tow truck, ambulances and other rescue equipment positioned at strategic locations for rapid emergency response.

The ZCO added that mobile courts have been arranged to enable the swift prosecution of motorists found violating traffic laws during the operation.

The FRSC appealed to motorists, commercial transport operators and other road users to cooperate with its personnel and strictly observe traffic regulations, stressing that the exercise is designed to save lives rather than punish road users.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report road crashes and traffic emergencies through the FRSC’s toll-free emergency line, 122, or the Zone RS8 Command and Control Centre for prompt assistance.