The Federal Road Safety Corps has barred its personnel from escorting politicians during campaigns for the 2027 general elections. The directive also prohibits the use of patrol vehicles and sirens for political activities and private engagements.
The FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer for RS6, ACM Abimbola Owolabi, announced the directive during her maiden visit to the Cross River Command in Calabar on Wednesday. She warned officers against leading political convoys or providing unauthorised escorts.
Owolabi directed personnel deployed to campaign venues to focus solely on traffic management to prevent congestion and road crashes. She also urged officers to intensify public education on road safety, noting that sustained awareness campaigns could help reduce accidents and fatalities.
The zonal commander cautioned personnel against extortion, corruption and other unprofessional conduct, stressing that accountability was necessary to maintain public confidence in the corps. She said misconduct by patrol operators and other officers undermined the organisation’s reputation.
She also advised officers to prioritise their safety during enforcement operations and avoid unnecessary confrontations that could result in assaults, injuries or damage to their uniforms. Personnel were urged to exercise professionalism and discretion when dealing with motorists, especially in volatile situations.
Owolabi called for stronger partnerships with private operators to ensure that broken-down vehicles were quickly removed from highways and traffic obstructions cleared. She also emphasised the need for prompt emergency response, effective rescue operations and increased patrols to reduce road crashes and deaths.
The zonal commander urged officers to maintain high service standards, document requests for operational support properly and handle official correspondence carefully. She also encouraged them to use the National Health Insurance Scheme and appealed to members of the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association to support their husbands in carrying out their duties.
