The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abia State Sector Command, says it will deploy 927 officers to enforce road safety during the 2026 “Ember Months” campaign.

The Sector Commander, Ngozi Ezeoma, made the disclosure at a news briefing in Umuahia on Monday. 

Ms Ezeoma said the theme of the campaign is “Overloading and Mix-Loading: A Dangerous Trend to Avoid.”

She said the deployment would comprise 500 regular marshals and 427 special marshals.

She also said the command would deploy seven patrol vehicles, three administrative vehicles, an ambulance and a tow truck to support its operations. 

According to her, the officers and operational assets will be deployed across the command’s five unit commands.

Ms Ezeoma emphasised that particular attention would be paid to major highways, identified crash-prone areas, motor parks and traffic junctions.

She explained that the patrol vehicles would support highway patrol, traffic monitoring, enforcement and rapid intervention, while the administrative vehicles would facilitate operational coordination and supervision.

The sector commander added that the ambulance and tow truck would provide emergency response, casualty evaluation, vehicle recovery and prompt clearing of road obstructions in the event of crashes. 

Regarding supervision, Ms Ezeoma said the command had established monitoring mechanisms to ensure officers discharged their duties professionally and in line with the corps’ operational guidelines. 

She explained that officers would undergo daily pre-patrol briefings and be subjected to 24-hour surveillance while on duty.

 She also said that she and other senior officers would monitor the officials deployed across the state to ensure effective service delivery and adherence to operational standards.

She explained that the measures demonstrate the command’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct during and after the campaign. 

Speaking on the campaign theme, Ms Ezeoma said it was designed to raise awareness about the dangers of overloading and mix-loading and reduce associated road traffic crashes. 

She said that overloading involved carrying passengers or goods beyond a vehicle’s approved capacity, while mix-loading referred to transporting passengers alongside animals or incompatible goods.

She stated, “Overloading compromises vehicle stability, braking efficiency and manoeuvrability, while mix-loading exposes passengers to additional dangers.”

She said the campaign would also target other traffic violations, including excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, driving against traffic, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, using mobile phones while driving and operating unroadworthy vehicles. 

The sector commander said the first phase of the operation would run from October 26 to December 15, while the second phase would commence on December 15 and end on January 15, 2027.

 She stated that the command planned public enlightenment activities at motor parks, churches, mosques and other faith-based institutions, alongside motorcade rallies and distribution of road safety educational materials. 

She said that traditional rulers, transport unions, motor park operators and other stakeholders would also be engaged to promote responsible driving and discourage dangerous road practices. 

Ms Ezeoma noted that the command would conduct free medical outreach programmes for members of the motoring public, particularly commercial drivers, to assess their health conditions, psychological wellbeing and fitness to drive. 

“A similar exercise was recently conducted at the Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in the state capital,” she said. 

She also said the command would collaborate with relevant government agencies, security organisations and construction companies to support road safety interventions and address identified challenges on highways across the state. 

Ms Ezeoma further said the command would intensify advocacy ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying that political campaigns, rallies and other election-related activities would increase vehicular movement and create additional road safety challenges. 

She appealed to traditional rulers, political leaders and community stakeholders to discourage reckless convoy operations, road obstruction and other activities capable of endangering lives during political engagements.

The sector commander emphasised that the success of the campaign should be measured not by the number of patrols conducted or traffic offenders apprehended, but the number of crashes prevented, lives saved and families spared the pain of losing loved ones.

She appealed to commercial vehicle operators, articulated vehicle drivers, transport unions and motor park managers to discourage overloading and mix-loading. 

She urged motorists to observe prescribed speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking, ensure their vehicles were roadworthy, use seatbelts and avoid driving when tired, distracted or under the influence of alcohol. 

She also urged passengers to take responsibility for their safety by refusing to board overloaded or unsafe vehicles. 

“My message is simple: no financial gain, social engagement or destination is worth the loss of a human life. 

“The Ember Months are for celebration, not mourning. Avoid overloading and mix-loading. Drive responsibly to arrive alive,” the sector commander said.

She called for sustained collaboration among the FRSC, media, traditional rulers, religious leaders, transport unions, security agencies and other stakeholders to promote safer roads.

 (NAN)