
EID EL KABIR: FRSC DEPLOYS 36,000 PERSONNELS, BEGINS SPECIAL PATROLS
NAN
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated special patrol operations for Eid-el-Kabir, deploying a total of 36,000 personnel and 1,095 logistics units nationwide. This information was conveyed by FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, through a statement from the Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mohammed said that the deployment of personnel, patrol logistics and special patrol operations was pursuant to the declaration of Friday as the day of Eid-el-Kabir in Nigeria.
He said that no fewer than 36,000 of the FRSC 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 said, 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.
This, he added, is as well as minimizing the occurrence of road traffic crashes on the nation’s highways through effective patrol operations and sustained public enlightenment campaigns.
“FRSC has a tradition of organizing special patrols during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterizes the road during the celebrations; as such, this year’s Eid-el Kabir would not be an exemption.
“Motorists must endeavor 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, however, appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties.
Mohammed said that mobile courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.
He directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus on effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, and use of a phone while driving.
He added that drivers’ license violations, lane discipline, the removal of rickety vehicles on the road, and driving with expired worn-out tyres and without a spare tyre should not be neglected.
“To achieve this feat, the corps have deployed operational equipment in the categories of radar guns and breathalyzers 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 corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, and Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor.
“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.
“Also, lane indiscipline/route violation, passengers’ manifest violation, illegal use of SPY number plate, latching violation, among others,”he said.
Mohammed said that in line with the foregoing, the patrol was to run in shifts as follows: 0600 – 1400 hrs, 1400HRS – 2000hrs, hrs – 2200 hrs, and night rescue teams to be on standby at all operational commands.
He said that the corps would go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration of military units enroute or resident, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
He also said that the Department of State Security,(DSS), state-owned/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 them to show special consideration and attention to other road users so as to create a safer atmosphere for all during the celebration.
He called on commuters to cooperate with law enforcement agents and ensure that they speak out against reckless driving at all times.
He added that the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM would continue to operate 24/7 to give real-time traffic updates.
“We call on all travelers to take advantage of the station and the FRSC toll-free numbers 122 to report any obstruction, crash or gridlock witnessed on the road for prompt intervention of the nearest Command.” he said.