The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has launched Operation Sanity in Nasarawa State to combat the rising incidence of road traffic crashes and improve safety on highways.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule in Lafia, Mohammed revealed that 1,539 people were killed and 9,293 injured in road accidents across Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025 alone.
He described the statistics as alarming, noting that road crashes remain a major global health crisis. According to him, 1.19 million people die annually in road accidents worldwide, with Africa accounting for 90% of these fatalities.
Providing further context, the FRSC chief stated that 5,081 people were killed and 31,871 injured in road crashes across Nigeria between January and December 2024. In the North Central corridor—comprising Lafia, Jos, and Makurdi—275 crashes were recorded in that period, resulting in 113 deaths and 933 injuries.
These figures, Mohammed said, underscore the urgent need for Operation Sanity, which aims to drastically reduce fatal crashes through increased enforcement, public awareness, and strategic interventions.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, while inaugurating the operation, commended the FRSC for what he called a “herculean but lifesaving responsibility.” He expressed optimism that the initiative will significantly enhance road safety across the country.
Meanwhile, within hours of the launch, 12 motorists were arrested for various offences including overloading, speeding, and driving without licenses.
Operation Sanity will involve sustained patrols, mobile courts, and targeted public sensitization campaigns.