The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported the arrest of no fewer than 3,990 motorists across Edo State for various traffic offenses committed within a two-month period. The operation, which ran through August and September 2025, was part of an intensified effort by the agency to curb reckless driving and promote safer roads in the state.
This disclosure was made by the Edo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Cyril Mathew, during an interview with Daily Trust. According to him, the arrests underscore the Corps’ commitment to enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s road safety regulations and reducing the rising cases of avoidable road accidents.
Breakdown of Offenses and Arrests
Mathew revealed that 2,075 drivers were apprehended in August, while another 1,915 motorists were arrested in September, totaling 3,990 violators in just two months.
Among the offenders, 95 motorists were arrested specifically for overloading, a practice the FRSC has repeatedly condemned for its contribution to fatal crashes on major highways.
The sector commander explained that the most common violations included:
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Overloading of passengers and goods
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Failure to install speed limiting devices
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Driving without functional fire extinguishers
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Non-use of seat belts
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Route violations (especially among commercial drivers)
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Use of mobile phones while driving
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Driving with expired vehicle documents or defective parts
Mathew emphasized that these offenses are not just technical violations but direct threats to public safety, leading to needless injuries and deaths across the state’s highways.
Mobile Court Prosecution and Penalties
To ensure swift justice and deterrence, Mathew said all offenders were arraigned before a mobile court, where appropriate fines and penalties were imposed according to the FRSC’s legal framework.
“All arrested offenders were prosecuted in a mobile court and fined accordingly,” he said. “The aim is not just to punish but to deter other road users from flouting traffic laws.”
He further noted that some offenders faced multiple charges, depending on the number of infractions observed during inspection. For instance, some drivers were caught driving without seat belts while also using mobile phones, compounding the risk of accidents.
Reinforcing Road Safety Awareness
Beyond enforcement, the FRSC boss highlighted the agency’s public enlightenment campaigns, stressing that education remains the most sustainable way to change driver behavior.
“We constantly engage road users through awareness campaigns in markets, motor parks, schools, and media programs,” Mathew stated. “Our focus is not only on enforcement but also on helping drivers understand that traffic rules are designed for their own safety.”
He added that many accidents in Edo State could have been avoided if motorists adhered strictly to speed limits, seat belt usage, and vehicle maintenance standards.
Collaboration With Stakeholders
The Sector Commander also praised the collaboration between the FRSC, the judiciary, and the Edo State Ministry of Transport, which has helped streamline the enforcement process and enhance compliance levels.
He called on transport unions, fleet operators, and private drivers to cooperate fully with the agency by ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy and their drivers properly trained.
“We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to make our roads safer. Every life lost on the highway is one too many,” he remarked.
Public Reaction and Call for Caution
The FRSC’s intensified crackdown has drawn mixed reactions from motorists and commuters across the state. While some drivers complained about the fines, others praised the Corps for restoring some level of discipline on busy highways like Benin–Auchi Road, Benin–Lagos Expressway, and Ehor–Irrua axis.
A commercial driver, identified simply as Osazee, said the operation had reduced the number of reckless drivers on the road.
“Before now, some drivers would speed carelessly or overload passengers. Since FRSC started this strict enforcement, people have become more careful,” he said.
Commitment to Safer Roads
Concluding, Commander Mathew reaffirmed that the FRSC in Edo would sustain its enforcement drive through the last quarter of 2025, particularly ahead of the festive season when traffic volumes and road crashes tend to increase.
He urged all motorists to obey road regulations, maintain their vehicles regularly, and avoid dangerous habits such as drunk driving, speeding, or driving under fatigue.
“Our mission is simple — to save lives on Nigerian roads. Compliance with traffic laws is not negotiable,” he said firmly.
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