BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Zone 12, covering Bauchi, Borno and Yobe states, on Monday, said it arrested 226 commercial drivers for offences bordering on overloading.
The arrests followed the launch of a special enforcement drive, Operation Shed Weights, aimed at tackling the high rate of overloading in the North-East geopolitical zone.
The operation, which began in August 2025, recorded 226 violations between its commencement and the second week of September.
According to the Corps, overloading of either goods, passengers or animals remains a major cause of road crashes and fatalities.
The FRSC said the affected vehicles were found to be in violation of Sections 188 (1) and (2) of the National Road Traffic Regulation (NRTR) 2022 (as amended).
The Zonal Commander, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Yakubu Mohammad urged the public, especially passengers to resist traveling in overloaded vehicles.
He stressed that passengers have the right to demand safe travel conditions, adding that their cooperation was vital to the ongoing campaign.
“By refusing to board overloaded vehicles, passengers are not only protecting themselves but also supporting our enforcement efforts,” he said.
The Commander reaffirmed FRSC’s zero-tolerance on overloading, pledging sustained enforcement and continuous patrols across the zone.
He further directed all sector Commands in Bauchi, Borno and Yobe to strengthen their response to road emergencies.
The public was also encouraged to report traffic crashes and dangerous road situations by dialing the FRSC emergency number 122.
ACM Mohammad wished motorists safe travels and assured of the Corps’ commitment to enhance road safety and reducing crash rates in the region.
