*Arrests 581,332 traffic violators
WorldStage– The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has recorded 10, 446 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and 5,289 deaths nationwide in 2025, representing a 2.4 percent reduction in the same period in 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed said that while the reduction confirmed that post-crash response interventions were working, it fell short of the Corps’ strategic target of a 10 per cent fatality reduction.
He said that it also confirmed that the challenge before the Corps was no longer response alone, but prevention, compliance and deterrence.
“Conversely, the number of persons killed declined from 5,421 to 5,289, representing a 2.4 percent reduction in the same period under review.
“Although, beyond the festive operation, on an annual basis, comparative analysis of 2024 and 2025 crash data shows that total crashes increased by 9.2 per cent from 9,570 to 10,446.
“Fatal crashes rose 2,532 in 2024 to 2,608 in 2025 representing 3.0 per cent, serious crashes by 10.5 per cent that is from 6,131 in 2024 to 6,772 in 2025 and minor crashes from 907 to 1,066 signifying 17.5 percent increase.
“The number of persons injured increased from 31,154 to 33,400 which is a 7.2 percent rise, and the number of people involved increased by 8.0 percent, ” he said.
On the other hand, Mohammed said that comparison of 2024 and 2025 passenger and vehicular movement revealed steady growth with passenger traffic rising from 45.16 million in 2024 to 47.47 million, representing a 2.54 per cent increase.
The FRSC boss said that the number of vehicles traveled also increased from 3.65 million to 3.74 million signifying a 1.25 per cent difference.
“Luxury bus operations expanded from 26,728 trips to 29,844 trips, a 5.51 per cent difference; and total kilometres covered grew significantly from 4.07 billion kilometres to 4.88 billion kilometres, reflecting a 9.05 per cent difference.
“The data confirms that both vehicle and persons travelled increased significantly in 2025, leading to higher vehicle volumes, mobility and economic activity.”
According to him, despite this increased exposure, fatalities declined by 2.4 per cent, meaning 132 lives were saved compared to 2024. The increase in injuries reflects higher crash occurrence alongside improved postcrash survival and rescue outcomes.
“We therefore measure success not only by targets but by lives preserved. Enforcement and emergency response interventions are working, but they must now be intensified,” he said.
While commending the media, the FRSC boss said the media remained a critical ally in the Corps national road safety agenda, serving as a bridge between policy, enforcement, and the motoring public.
According to him, through your objective reportage and sustained advocacy, you help reinforce safe road use, promote accountability, and keep public attention firmly focused on the imperative of saving lives on our highways.
Mohammed appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support, strategic guidance, and policy backing extended to the FRSC over the past years.
He also commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume for the strong institutional support and coordination that have enhanced the Corps operational effectiveness.
“This collective support has been pivotal to the strengthening of the Corps’ capacity, professionalism, and resolve in the discharge of its statutory mandate,” he said.
581,332 TRAFFIC VIOLATORS
The FRSC also said it arrested no fewer than 581,332 traffic violators for committing 648,918 offences nationwide in 2025.
Mohammed said that the corps recorded a significant rise in enforcement activities compared to 2024.
He also said that the number of offenders arrested increased from 453,304 in 2024 to 581,332 in 2025, representing an increase of 128,028 arrests, which translated to a 28.3 per cent rise.
According to him, offences booked rose from 496,799 in 2024 to 648,918 in 2025, an increase of 152,119 amounting to a 30.6 per cent increase.
“This upward trend reflects intensified patrol operations, improved surveillance, and a more robust enforcement strategy aimed at promoting road discipline and enhancing overall safety on Nigerian roads.”
Speaking on the operation zero tolerance activities, Mohammed said that the corps also arrested 29, 317 traffic offenders for 33,190 offences during the 2025/2026 operation nationwide.
He said the violators were arrested between Dec. 15, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, emphasising that from an enforcement standpoint, traffic violations increased alongside exposure.
“Offenders apprehended rose from 28,170 in 2024/2025 to 29,317 in 2025/2026, a four per cent increase, while recorded offences increased from 31,829 to 33,190, representing a 4.2 per cent rise.
“In response, the corps intensified deterrence through mobile court operations nationwide, leading to the arraignment of 1,276 offenders, conviction of 1,105 violators, and lawful discharge or acquittal of 171 persons.
“This reflects a deliberate shift toward firm, fair and visible enforcement as a behavioural control tool,” he said.
