Operation Ride Safe: FRSC RS12HQ Cracks Down on Overloading, Seat Belt Violations

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12 Zonal Command, Bauchi, has commenced the October edition of its three-day Zonal Special Intervention Patrol, code-named “Operation Ride Safe,” scheduled to hold from Wednesday, 21st to Friday, 23rd October, 2026, across Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States.

The Zonal Commanding Officer, RS12HQ Bauchi, ACM Leye Adegboyega, fsi, in a statement on Wednesday, said the intervention patrol is primarily aimed at curtailing overloading, mixed loading, use of phones while driving and seat belt violations, which he described as dangerous traffic offences that expose motorists, passengers and other road users to avoidable risks and contribute to road traffic crashes.

Adegboyega stated that the operation forms part of the Corps’ sustained efforts to address persistent road safety violations within the Zone through intensive enforcement, public enlightenment, stakeholder engagement and improved operational visibility.

“Despite previous enforcement and sensitisation efforts, unsafe practices such as carrying passengers beyond approved vehicle capacity, mixing passengers with goods, using phones while driving and failure to wear seat belts continue to pose serious safety concerns,” he said.

He disclosed that during the three-day intervention patrol, personnel will be strategically deployed across major highways, motor parks, loading points, markets, transport terminals and other identified high-risk locations throughout the three states.

“Particular attention will be given to commercial vehicles, passenger capacity, loading practices, seat belt compliance and motorists who use phones while driving. Other traffic offences discovered during the operation will also be addressed in accordance with extant laws and Corps procedures,” he added.

The Zonal Commanding Officer emphasised the need for strict compliance with road safety regulations, noting that overloading and mixed loading compromise vehicle stability and passenger safety, while the use of phones while driving distracts motorists and increases the risk of crashes.

He further stressed that seat belts remain essential safety devices that help to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash.

“Accordingly, all Sector and Unit Commanders have been directed to intensify enforcement against the targeted offences; inspect commercial vehicles at motor parks and loading points before departure; prevent overloading and the unsafe mixing of passengers and goods; ensure compliance with seat belt requirements; and apprehend motorists who use phones while driving.

“They are also to sustain public enlightenment, strengthen engagement with transport unions and fleet operators, maintain visible patrol presence, collaborate with sister security agencies where necessary, and ensure prompt rescue response to road traffic crashes,” he noted.

Adegboyega called on motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, to prioritise human lives over profit by avoiding overloading and mixed loading, refraining from using phones while driving, and ensuring that seat belts are properly worn by occupants as required. He equally encouraged passengers to insist on safe transportation practices and report dangerous driving behaviours that threaten their lives.

“The intervention patrol is being conducted in line with the Corps’ 2026 Corporate Strategic Goal of achieving a 10% reduction in road traffic crash fatalities and injuries through data-driven interventions,” he said.

The Zonal Commander reiterated that road safety is a shared responsibility and urged all road users to cooperate with FRSC personnel throughout the operation.

“Together, through responsible driving, strict compliance with traffic regulations and collective commitment, safer roads can be achieved across Bauchi, Borno and Yobe States,” he added.