Corps Marshal Leads Emergency Operation on Abuja–Kaduna Expressway

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, on Wednesday personally led an emergency traffic operation that restored free vehicular movement along the Abuja–Kaduna Expressway following a major gridlock at the Azara Bridge axis in Jere.

The incident occurred when ongoing road construction work, combined with the breakdown of an articulated vehicle carrying a crane at a diversion point, triggered a severe obstruction that brought traffic to a near standstill along the busy highway.

The resulting congestion stretched several kilometres, leaving hundreds of motorists and commuters stranded and raising concerns over a possible total paralysis of movement on the strategic transport corridor.

In response, the Corps Marshal moved swiftly to the scene, taking direct control of the situation and coordinating a multi-agency emergency response involving personnel from the FRSC Kaduna and FCT Sector Commands, the Nigerian Army, and construction officials.

Under his supervision, the obstructing vehicle was strategically evacuated, while traffic control measures were deployed to reopen the affected section of the expressway within a short period.

Eyewitnesses at the scene described the intervention as swift and well-coordinated, noting that the Corps Marshal remained physically present throughout the operation, issuing real-time directives and overseeing key aspects of the clearance exercise.

Officials said his presence helped to improve coordination among responding agencies and ensured that the operation was executed without further incidents or delays.

The FRSC stated that the successful clearance of the obstruction averted what could have escalated into prolonged traffic paralysis, secondary crashes, security risks, and significant economic losses on one of Nigeria’s busiest highways.

Motorists and commuters who witnessed the operation commended the prompt response of the Corps leadership, describing the Corps Marshal as a hands-on operational leader whose intervention restored order at a critical moment.

The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to rapid emergency response, effective traffic management, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration aimed at improving safety and mobility on Nigerian roads.

It assured the public that efforts would continue to prevent similar disruptions, particularly along major corridors prone to construction-related congestion and heavy-duty vehicle breakdowns.