FRSC deploys 2,500 personnel, 50 vehicles for Osun Governorship election

By Onu Okorie

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 2,500 personnel and 50 operational vehicles across Osun State to ensure effective traffic management and emergency response during the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

The deployment covers the three senatorial districts and all operational areas of the state, with seven heavy-duty tow trucks and six ambulances among the vehicles deployed for rescue operations, clearance of road obstructions and emergency response.

The personnel comprise 2,300 officers from the Osun Sector Command and 50 personnel each from the Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo and Ogun Sector Commands. The Corps said its operational and rescue assets had been strategically positioned to facilitate safe and orderly movement for voters, election officials, accredited observers, security personnel and other road users.

Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, said the deployment underscored the FRSC’s commitment to supporting a peaceful, safe and credible electoral process within its statutory mandate of road safety and traffic management.

He said personnel had been directed to operate with professionalism, neutrality, discipline and respect for human rights while working closely with the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and other relevant agencies.

“Our mandate is clear: to ensure that the roads remain safe, orderly and accessible within the framework of the electoral security arrangements. We will be firm, professional and impartial in the discharge of our responsibilities,” Mohammed said.

As part of its preparations, the Corps will conduct a Train-the-Trainer Workshop to enhance the capacity of personnel deployed for election duties. The workshop will involve representatives of the FRSC, Nigeria Police Force, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The FRSC will also inspect and certify vehicles provided by fleet operators for the transportation of electoral materials. According to the Corps, only vehicles that meet prescribed safety standards and are confirmed roadworthy will be allowed to participate in the operation.

The Corps Marshal further warned that the Restriction/No-Movement Order would be strictly enforced in designated areas during the election. Vehicles assigned for enforcement will commence deployment from 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, with personnel stationed at strategic locations across the state.

The FRSC consequently advised motorists, transport operators and other road users to plan their journeys ahead of the election, obey lawful traffic directives and avoid restricted routes during the period.

Beyond enforcing the movement restriction, FRSC operatives will carry out intensive traffic control, crowd management, clearance of obstructions and rescue operations before, during and after the election.

Personnel will also be deployed to designated polling locations in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, while remaining within the limits of the Corps’ statutory responsibilities.

The Corps directed all personnel on election duty to remain alert, approachable and respectful of the dignity and rights of every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, gender, religion, race or other considerations.

They are also required to comply with the prescribed oath of neutrality in accordance with the Electoral Act as the state goes to the polls on Saturday.