By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed no fewer than 41,470 officers, marshals special pickets, and 1,163 vehicles for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol across the country.
FRSC Marshal Malam Shehu Mohammed said this during a press conference on Friday in Abuja.
Mohammed said the objectives of the Eid-El-Kabir special operations were to reduce Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs), Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs) and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
He said other objectives included rapid response for victims of RTCs, full commitment to targeted public education, and speedy removal of road obstructions.
According to Mohammed, the operation will increase surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional riots, maintain effective patrols, and ensure adequate surveillance on highways.
“To this end, I am honored to present strategies already implemented to combat accidents on our roads during this year’s Eid-El-Kabir special patrol, which is scheduled to begin from Friday, June 14, to Sunday, June 23, 2024.
“The personnel deployed for special operations are 7,994, 20,449 marshals, and 13,027 special marshals, for a total of 41,470.
“As part of the patrol logistics, more than 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorcycles will be mobilized. This is a total of 1,163,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that reflective jackets, traffic cones, tire pressure gauges, various recovery equipment, and digital breathalyzers were among the tools reserved for the special operation.
Mohammed added that a total of 23 relief areas were mobilized during the period to ensure immediate clearance of obstacles and rescue operations.
According to him, this is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which would be solely to identify congestion areas that would require 24/7 staff attendance.
“For effective surveillance and rapid response, the corps has set up a situation room at the national headquarters to monitor activities across the country.
“It will also collect and process intelligence for dissemination to relevant commands and stakeholders as appropriate.
“This is in addition to the 28 RTC clinics and 53 zebra points along the major routes.
“This would be covered by the 92 ambulances that would be fully utilized for immediate response to accidents and rescue of injured victims from hospitals for further professional treatment,” he said.
The police boss urged passengers to check the transgressions of reckless drivers and report them to FRSC agents or any security post on the highways.
