Abuja: FRSC Busted Overloaded Truck Hiding 15 Passengers And 8 Motorcycles Under Tarpaulin

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reinforced its resolve to rid Nigerian roads of dangerous traffic practices following an intelligence-driven operation that resulted in the interception of a heavily overloaded vehicle conveying passengers and motorcycles under highly hazardous conditions.

According to a statement issued in Abuja by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, FRSC personnel stopped a Mitsubishi Canter commercial truck with registration number GDD 815 ZP during an intelligence-led enforcement operation in Nyanya, FCT.

Prompted by professional suspicion, Marshals conducted a close inspection of the vehicle’s sealed tarpaulin. Beneath it, they discovered 15 passengers and eight motorcycles dangerously concealed among goods—a situation the agency described as a clear violation of safety regulations that endangered both the occupants and other road users.

Following the discovery, the driver, Mr. Umar Muhammadu, was arrested. He had allegedly attempted to bribe an FRSC Marshal with ₦500 and was unable to produce a valid driver’s licence.

The statement further revealed that the vehicle and its occupants were handed over to the Divisional Police Officer in Mararaba, CSP M. Daniel, for further investigation and prosecution, following a directive from the Sector Commander (RS7.1 FCT), CC Tijjani Iliyasu.

The FRSC stated, “The Corps views these incidents as compelling evidence that its enforcement architecture is moving beyond routine interception to intelligence-led, evidence-based, and technology-conscious road safety enforcement, where professional observation and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures are deployed to uncover concealed violations and protect lives.”

Reacting to the operation, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed charged personnel to remain vigilant, professional, and uncompromising in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities, while continuing to strengthen collaboration with sister security and law enforcement agencies.

The FRSC concluded by warning motorists, particularly commercial vehicle operators, that attempts to evade enforcement, conceal passengers or motorcycles, overload vehicles, drive without valid licences, or offer bribes to personnel will attract severe legal sanctions.

“The Corps will continue to combine intelligence, professional enforcement, Mobile Courts, and strategic inter-agency collaboration to protect road users and make Nigeria’s roads safer,” the statement added, stressing that on the road to a safer Nigeria, there will be no hiding place for reckless and dangerous drivers.

• See Also : FRSC Champions Tinubu’s Clean Mobility Agenda, Unveils Safety Framework For EVs And CNG Vehicles