Dare Babalola
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has stepped up enforcement against the unsafe transportation practice known as mixed loading in Kaduna State, leading to the arrest of more than 100 individuals.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that the operation targeted vehicles conveying passengers alongside goods and livestock under hazardous conditions.
The statement, signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, noted that the exercise was carried out by the Kaduna State Sector Command following directives from the national leadership of the agency.
Leading the enforcement team, the Sector Commander, Tijani Iliyasu, said several vehicles were intercepted across key highways in the state.
According to him, the operation uncovered numerous cases where people were transported in the same space as animals and cargo in what officials described as extremely dangerous conditions.
The FRSC boss explained that the clampdown forms part of broader nationwide measures aimed at improving road safety, particularly during the ongoing Easter patrol operations.
He warned that combining passengers with goods or livestock poses serious risks, describing it as a disaster waiting to happen on the highways.
He noted that such practices increase the chances of severe injuries or death in the event of an accident, as passengers could be crushed by shifting loads or harmed by animals.
Beyond the immediate threat to lives, he added that the practice also affects vehicle balance and braking performance, significantly raising the risk of fatal crashes.
Reaffirming the agency’s strict stance, Mohammed cautioned drivers and transport operators across the country to desist from violating safety regulations or face legal consequences, including arrest and prosecution.
He further urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules, especially during the Easter season, which typically witnesses a surge in travel.
The FRSC reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property through sustained enforcement, intelligence-driven patrols and public awareness campaigns, while calling on Nigerians to support efforts to ensure safer roads nationwide.
