The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Mallam Shehu Mohammed, has ordered the deployment of personnel and logistics nationwide for a six-day Eid-El-Fitri Special Patrol Operation.
This is part of efforts to guarantee safe travels for motorists and to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities and injuries, as most of the highways witness a high volume of traffic for the Sallah celebrations.
“The period of Eid-El-Fitri celebrations is traditionally characterised by high vehicular movement across the country as Muslims travel to celebrate with family and loved ones.”
The Corps Marshal explained that the Corps has therefore mobilised its operational assets to manage the expected surge in traffic and prevent avoidable road crashes caused largely by speeding, dangerous driving, overloading, use of mobile phones while driving, route violations, and other traffic infractions.
He maintained that the Corps would maintain 24-hour patrol operations along critical road corridors nationwide, supported by standby rescue teams, operational ambulances, tow trucks, patrol vehicles and motorbikes to ensure prompt response to emergencies.
According to the FRSC boss, the operation will also involve the immediate removal of obstructions from highways and close monitoring of traffic situations to minimise delays for road users.
He also stressed that the special operation will prioritise enforcement against major traffic violations, including excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, road obstruction, overloading, mixed loading of passengers and goods, seatbelt violations, and operation of mechanically deficient vehicles.
As part of the operational strategy, commanding officers across sectors have been directed to ensure full deployment of operational equipment such as patrol vehicles, advanced life support ambulances, tow trucks, radar guns, breathalysers, traffic cones, patrol bikes, and communication gadgets.
“Special Marshals have also been encouraged to participate actively in traffic control operations across various commands during the period.”
Mallam Shehu Mohammed, however, assured that there will be effective collaboration with other security and emergency response agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Fire Service, and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, to ensure quick response to emergencies and maintain order on the highways.
While wishing Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyful Eid-El-Fitri celebration, the Corps Marshal urged motorists to cooperate with FRSC personnel and other law enforcement agencies by obeying traffic rules, avoiding speeding, ensuring their vehicles are roadworthy, and exercising patience while driving.
He reiterated that the Corps remains committed to its mandate of creating a safer motoring environment for all road users across the country.
RN
