Over 250 Abuja Taxi Drivers Arrested for Violating Passenger Limit — FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has apprehended more than 250 commercial vehicle drivers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for violating a directive that permits only one passenger in the front seat of taxis.

The FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Education Officer, Helen Ntaji, on Saturday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the arrests were made within the first two days of a new enforcement campaign launched by the FCT Command on October 2, aimed at curbing overloading and promoting road safety compliance among commercial transport operators.

Theman described the exercise as part of ongoing efforts to restore passenger dignity and ensure safer transport within the city.

> “One of my top priorities since assuming office has been the restoration of passenger safety through strict adherence to traffic regulations. Enforcement remains the most effective way to guarantee that safety is not sacrificed for convenience,” he stated.



He added that many drivers were found carrying two passengers in the front seat, a practice that violates safety standards and prevents proper seatbelt use, increasing the risk of fatalities in accidents.

Theman further explained that overloading also places undue pressure on vehicle tyres and suspension systems, while limiting the driver’s ability to maintain control—especially during emergencies.

To ensure widespread compliance, the FRSC said it held several meetings with transport unions and stakeholders prior to the campaign. The unions, according to the statement, have pledged their full support and agreed to educate their members on safe driving practices.

The enforcement exercise is being conducted alongside mobile magistrate courts to allow for the on-the-spot prosecution of offenders.

Theman also warned that commercial drivers operating vehicles below safety standards risk having them impounded, urging passengers to support the FRSC’s efforts to guarantee safe and dignified public transport.

> “All commercial drivers must ensure their vehicles meet the minimum safety requirements or face immediate impoundment. Safety is a shared responsibility,” he emphasized.



The FRSC announced that full activation of mobile court locations across the FCT will commence on Monday, October 6, to strengthen enforcement and promote orderliness in the city’s transport system.

Meanwhile, national data from the FRSC shows that between January 2024 and July 2025, the corps recorded over 620,000 traffic violations across Nigeria. Spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide revealed that the figure includes 350,536 offences recorded between January and June 2024, and nearly 300,000 new cases documented in 2025.