The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has barred its personnel from escorting politicians during campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that official vehicles and sirens must not be used for political or private engagements.

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

Owolabi directed officers deployed to campaign venues to concentrate on traffic management to prevent congestion and road crashes, stressing that the corps’ personnel must not lead political convoys or provide escorts for candidates and other political figures.

She also warned against using patrol vehicles and sirens for private engagements, including weddings and funeral processions, describing such activities as unauthorised use of official resources.

The zonal commander urged personnel to intensify public education on road safety, noting that sustained awareness campaigns and compliance with traffic regulations were essential to reducing road crashes and fatalities.

She cautioned officers against extortion, corruption and other forms of unprofessional conduct, saying misconduct could undermine public confidence in the corps.

Owolabi called on personnel to demonstrate accountability across operational units and maintain high standards of service delivery in their dealings with motorists and other road users.

She also advised officers to exercise caution during enforcement operations, avoid unnecessary confrontations and prioritise their safety, particularly in volatile situations that could result in assaults, injuries or damage to uniforms.

The commander further called for stronger partnerships with private operators to ensure that broken-down vehicles were removed promptly from highways and traffic obstructions cleared.

She stressed the importance of timely emergency response, effective rescue operations and intensified patrols to reduce road crashes and associated fatalities.

Owolabi also directed officers to ensure that requests for operational support were properly documented and that official correspondence was handled efficiently.

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

The zonal commander appealed to members of the Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA) to continue supporting their spouses in carrying out their responsibilities and protecting lives on Nigerian roads.

The directive comes as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the FRSC expected to maintain road safety and traffic control during rallies and other campaign events without becoming involved in partisan activities.