The directive was issued by the Zonal Commanding Officer of RS6, ACM Abimbola Owolabi, during her maiden visit to the FRSC Cross River State Command in Calabar on Wednesday.

Owolabi warned officers against using patrol vehicles and sirens for political activities or private engagements, including weddings and funeral processions. She stressed that official vehicles must be reserved for authorised duties.

She also instructed personnel deployed to campaign venues to concentrate on traffic control and management rather than providing escorts for candidates or their supporters. The aim, she said, is to minimise congestion and reduce the risk of road crashes during political gatherings.

The zonal commander urged officers to strengthen public awareness campaigns on road safety, noting that sustained education and responsible road use were important to reducing accidents and fatalities.

She cautioned personnel against extortion, corruption and other forms of misconduct, warning that unprofessional behaviour could damage public confidence in the corps. According to her, accountability must remain a priority across all operational units.

Owolabi further advised officers to exercise caution during enforcement operations and avoid unnecessary confrontations that could expose them to assaults or injuries. She urged them to remain professional and use sound judgment when dealing with motorists, particularly in tense situations.

On traffic management, she called for stronger cooperation with private operators to ensure that broken-down vehicles were removed promptly from highways and obstructions cleared to keep traffic moving.

She also emphasised the need for faster emergency response, effective rescue operations and more intensive patrols to help reduce road crashes and save lives.

The zonal commander urged personnel to maintain high service standards, handle official correspondence carefully and ensure that requests for operational support were properly documented.

She encouraged officers to prioritise their health and make use of the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting that good health was essential for effective service delivery.

Owolabi also appealed to members of the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) to support their spouses in carrying out their responsibilities and contributing to efforts to protect lives on Nigerian roads.

The directive comes as political parties and their supporters prepare for the 2027 general elections, with traffic management and road safety expected to remain important considerations during campaign rallies and other political events.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media