Eid-el-Kabir: FRSC Deploys 36,000 Officials For Special Patrols

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched special patrol operations for Eid-el-Kabir, deploying 36,000 personnel and 1,095 patrol logistics nationwide.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mohammed said the deployment of personnel, patrol logistics, and special patrol operations were pursuant to the declaration of Friday as the day of Eid-el-Kabir in Nigeria. He noted that no fewer than 36,000 regular and special marshals would be deployed.

“About 750 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances, 25 tow trucks, and over 200 bikes would be on the road during the special operation that would begin from Thursday to June 11.

“This brings the total of patrol logistics to 1,095,” he said.

Mohammed, who authorized the special operations, revealed that the mission was to ensure the free flow of traffic during and after the Sallah celebrations. This, he explained, included providing prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during, and after the festive period.

He added that the operations aim to minimise road traffic crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrols and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.

“FRSC has a tradition of organising special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterises the road during the celebrations; as such, this year’s Eid-el Kabir would not be an exemption.

“Motorists must endeavour to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the Corps but also falling prey to avoidable road crashes.

“To ensure the effectiveness of the operations, I have directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the period of the operations,” he said.

The corps marshal appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies deployed for traffic management duties.

Mohammed also said that mobile courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators. He directed operatives to focus on effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, and the use of phones while driving.

He added that attention should be paid to drivers’ licence violations, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, and driving with expired, worn-out tyres or without a spare tyre.

“To achieve this feat, the corps have deployed operational equipment in the categories of radar guns and breathalysers to put a check on drunk driving; operational logistics materials are also to be fully deployed for this exercise.

“More so, we have equally directed that all zebras must be activated and be responsive to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to crashes reported.

“Among the 52 corridors to be covered are Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum, and Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos.

“Also, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, and Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.

“Special focus will be on checking the following offences: dangerous driving/overtaking, overloading violation, use of a phone while driving, and excessive speed.

“Also, lane indiscipline/route violation, passengers’ manifest violation, illegal use of SPY number plate, latching violation, among others,” he said.

Mohammed said that the patrol would run in shifts as follows: 0600 – 1400 hrs, 1400 – 2000 hrs, and 2000 – 2200 hrs, with night rescue teams on standby at all operational commands.

He added that the corps would conduct the exercise with the collaboration of military units en route or resident, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He also mentioned that the Department of State Security (DSS), state-owned and NGO ambulance service providers, the National Network on Emergency Rescue Services (NNERS), and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) would be on standby.

He urged all parties to show special consideration and attention to other road users to create a safer atmosphere during the celebrations.

Mohammed called on commuters to cooperate with law enforcement agents and speak out against reckless driving at all times.

He added that the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM would operate 24/7 to provide real-time traffic updates.

“We call on all travellers to take advantage of the station and the FRSC toll-free number 122 to report any obstruction, crash or gridlock witnessed on the road for prompt intervention by the nearest command,” he said. (NAN)