By Joy Odor Reportcircle
Kaduna narrowly spared a potential fuel inferno on Sunday morning after operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) swiftly intervened to contain a fallen fuel tanker at one of the city’s busiest junctions.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the NEPA Roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way, a critical artery linking several parts of the Kaduna metropolis.
According to the FRSC, the lone tanker crash was reported at about 7:15 a.m., triggering an immediate emergency response from the RS1.1 Kaduna Sector Command.
A rescue team led by the Deputy Route Commander, DRC I. Gunda, was promptly deployed to the scene upon receipt of the distress call.
On arrival, FRSC personnel moved quickly to secure the crash site, shutting down all access roads leading to the tanker to prevent secondary collisions and eliminate the risk of fire or explosion from the highly flammable fuel load.
With traffic building rapidly around the roundabout, officers immediately activated diversion plans, redirecting vehicles through alternative routes to maintain flow and reduce congestion across the city.
Eyewitnesses described the operation as swift and coordinated, with officers enforcing traffic control measures while keeping curious onlookers at a safe distance.
Personnel of the Federal Fire Service and the Nigerian Police Force were also mobilised to the scene, working alongside FRSC operatives to stabilise the situation, safeguard lives and support the ongoing evacuation of the fuel content.
Officials confirmed that efforts were focused on safely offloading the fuel and removing the tanker from the roadway to restore normal traffic movement without triggering environmental or safety hazards.
As at the time of filing this report, no casualties had been recorded, a development authority credited to the speed and professionalism of the emergency response.
In a statement issued from the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja, the Corps commended road users for their cooperation during the operation and appealed for continued patience as recovery work progressed.
Motorists were urged to remain calm, obey traffic directives and avoid the affected area until the tanker is fully cleared.
The FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to proactive emergency response, effective traffic management and the protection of lives and property on Nigerian roads.
The statement was signed by the Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on behalf of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
For a city all too familiar with tanker-related disasters, Sunday’s incident ended not in flames, but in relief thanks to a rapid response that turned a looming catastrophe into a near-miss.
