THE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies, has commenced joint enforcement against traffic light violations and other road offences across Abuja.
The operation targets driving against traffic and other violations as authorities intensify efforts to improve road safety and restore discipline among motorists in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr Chinedum Elechi, announced the initiative at a joint news conference on Thursday in Abuja, saying offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Elechi explained that a newly formed joint task force would conduct regular patrols across the capital to apprehend traffic violators, emphasising that the operation was aimed at restoring discipline and improving road safety.
He listed the major targets to include disregard for traffic lights, route violations, driving against traffic, illegal parking and unauthorised use of restricted routes and pedestrian crossings.
Additionally, the mandate secretary said apprehended offenders would undergo mandatory medical and psychological evaluations in line with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and FCT Road Traffic Regulations.
Elechi said the enforcement drive became necessary following a sharp increase in traffic lawlessness and disregard for road signs by private and commercial drivers across the Federal Capital Territory.
He said that while the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, had improved mobility through extensive road expansion and urban renewal projects, some motorists had exploited the upgraded infrastructure to violate traffic regulations.
Describing the inter-agency collaboration as a milestone, Elechi expressed confidence that joint operations involving the FCTA Security Services Department, Traffic Control Department and FRSC would restore order to Abuja roads.
He assured residents that the campaign was not intended to harass law-abiding citizens, but to ensure smoother traffic flow, enhance road safety and protect lives and property.
In his remarks, the FRSC Commander in the FCT, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, said excessive overloading, route violations and indiscriminate parking significantly contributed to traffic congestion and endangered road users.
Iliyasu confirmed that motorists caught driving against traffic, running red lights or heavily overloading vehicles would be referred to government hospitals for psychiatric evaluation at their own expense before prosecution.
He cited Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, which empowers relevant authorities to subject suspected reckless drivers to comprehensive psychological assessments.
The FRSC commander emphasised that the psychological tests were designed to curb dangerous driving habits and promote personal responsibility among motorists, rather than intimidate members of the public.
He urged motorists to respect traffic signals, avoid designated non-parking zones, use authorised bus stops and obey instructions issued by traffic officers, particularly during peak periods.
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment, Iliyasu said: “Our message is simple: obey traffic regulations, respect other road users, and make safety a personal responsibility.”
Providing a security perspective, the Director of the FCTA Security Services Department, Mr Adamu Gwary, said strict traffic enforcement would also strengthen overall security within the capital.
Gwary, represented by the Secretary of the department’s Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji, expressed concern over commercial tricycle and motorcycle operators who bypass designated routes, load passengers illegally and potentially facilitate criminal activities.
He confirmed that officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies would support the task force in maintaining law and order throughout the operation.
He assured Abuja residents that security agencies were prepared to sustain long-term operations alongside traffic authorities to build a safer, more orderly and efficient transportation network.(NAN)
A.I
Aug. 27, 2026
Tags: FCTA FRSC Mr Adamu Gwary Mr Chinedum Elechi Mr Nyesom Wike
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