FRSC Deploys 170 Ambulances Nationwide for Emergency Rescue

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed more than 170 ambulances across the country as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and rescue operations on Nigerian roads.

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while responding to questions about the operational capacity of the corps' emergency ambulance network and its response to road traffic crashes (RTCs).

Ohaeri said the FRSC has the largest number of ambulances among emergency response agencies in Nigeria, with more than 170 ambulances and 60 Zebra points nationwide. He cautioned, however, that the figure should not be read as the number of ambulances currently operational or serviceable as of September 2026, noting that an accurate current count would require the latest fleet-status report from the corps' medical and rescue office.

He explained that the figures reflect the scale of the corps' emergency response network, while the availability of individual ambulances is managed operationally based on location, condition and assignment. He said the corps continues to maintain and deploy its assets as part of its emergency response mandate, adding that the status of individual vehicles can vary depending on their operational condition and assignment.

The CPEO said the corps is also focused on improving its emergency response capacity, particularly by strengthening rescue deployment and collaboration with other relevant agencies.

He noted that the corps had historically recorded an average response time of about 15 minutes under its documented emergency-response programme, but cautioned against presenting that figure as the current nationwide average without updated operational data. According to him, response time varies depending on factors such as the crash location, traffic congestion, distance from the nearest ambulance point and accessibility of the crash scene. He added that the accuracy and timeliness of information provided by callers can also affect how quickly rescue teams reach the scene, as can the possibility of emergency teams responding to other incidents at the same time.

Ohaeri stressed that faster response to road crashes and other emergencies has been identified as one of the corps' management priorities for 2026, with efforts ongoing to strengthen rescue deployment and inter-agency collaboration. He said the FRSC remains committed to improving emergency rescue operations, strengthening the deployment of its resources, and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure better outcomes for road crash victims.

He reiterated that complaints concerning emergency response, evacuation, treatment of victims or other alleged misconduct should be channelled through the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action, and assured that the corps would continue to strengthen its emergency response mechanisms as part of broader efforts to reduce the consequences of road traffic crashes and improve the safety of road users nationwide.