279,414 traffic offenders arrested nationwide in five months – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps has arrested 279,414 traffic offenders and recorded 2,214 road traffic crashes across the country between January and May 2026, just as  as it has intensified enforcement operations aimed at improving road safety nationwide.

The corps disclosed this in a performance report obtained by our correspondent on Friday, noting that its nationwide enforcement drive also led to the booking of 308,816 traffic offences during the five-month period.

According to the report, the 2,214 road crashes involved 4,165 vehicles and affected 16,349 persons.

Of those involved, 1,181 lost their lives, while 7,809 sustained varying degrees of injuries. A total of 7,359 persons escaped unhurt.

The FRSC, however, said the figures represented a significant improvement over the corresponding period in 2025.

It stated, “The FRSC has recorded a marked improvement in road safety outcomes across Nigeria between January and May 2026, recording a 25.65 per cent reduction in Road Traffic Crashes and a 25.35 per cent reduction in traffic-related injuries compared to the corresponding period. The Corps announced today.

“The improvement comes despite a nationwide enforcement surge that saw the arrest of 279,414 traffic offenders and the booking of 308,816 traffic offences, as the Corps intensified compliance operations across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

“Crashes and casualties nationwide: The Corps documented 2,214 Road Traffic Crashes involving 4,165 vehicles between January and May 2026. The crashes affected 16,349 persons in total, 1,181 of whom lost their lives, while 7,809 sustained injuries of varying severity. A further 7,359 persons involved emerged unhurt.

“This represents a 25.65 per cent reduction in Road Traffic Crashes year-on-year, a 25.35 per cent reduction in Road Traffic Injuries, and a 22 per cent reduction in the total number of persons involved in crashes.”

Beyond traffic enforcement, the FRSC said it strengthened support for national security by recovering stolen vehicles across the country.

It stated, “In support of national security and anti-crime efforts, the FRSC recovered 12 stolen vehicles during the period, comprising eight cars, two Sport Utility Vehicles, one tricycle and one bus.”

On vehicle documentation, the corps said it produced 470,010 number plates and registered 232,476 vehicles nationwide between January and May.

According to the report, the number plates produced included 2,598 for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, 39 diplomatic number plates and 73 military and paramilitary number plates, aimed at strengthening vehicle identification and regulatory compliance across government fleets.

The corps also disclosed that it cleared the backlog of National Driver’s Licence applications, describing the feat as part of efforts to improve service delivery and ensure the timely issuance of driver’s licences to applicants.

The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to reducing crashes on Nigerian roads through sustained enforcement, public education, improved operational efficiency and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

The corps urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid dangerous driving practices and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to sustain the gains recorded in the first five months of the year.