The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed no fewer than 41,470 officers, marshals and special marshals, alongside 1,163 vehicles for the Eid-El-Kabir special patrol, nationwide.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, said this during a news briefing on Friday, in Abuja.
Mohammed said that the objectives of the Eid-El-Kabir special operations were to achieve reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), Road Traffic Fatalities (RTFs), and Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
He said that other objectives include prompt responses to RTCs victims, unhindered engagement in purposeful public education, and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways.
According to Mohammed, the operation will strengthening of surveillance activities to regulate unprofessional excesses, sustained effective patrol, as well as adequate monitoring on the highways.
“To this end, I am honoured to let you into strategies already in place to combat crashes on our roads during this year’s Eid-El-Kabir special patrol scheduled to commence from Friday June 14, to Sunday June 23, 2024.
“Personnel deployed for the special operations are 7,994, 20,449 marshals , 13,027 special marshal with the total of 41,470 in all.
“Over 743 patrol vehicles, 184 administrative vehicles, 92 ambulances, 23 tow trucks and 144 motorbikes are being deployed as part of the patrol logistics. This brings to the total of 1,163,“ he said.
The FRSC boss said that reflective jackets, traffic cones, tyre pressure gauges, a number of extricating machines and digital breathalysers were part of the tools set aside for the special operation.
Mohammed added that a total of 23 help areas were mobilised to ensure prompt removal of obstructions, and rescue operations during the period.
According to him, this is in addition to the 15 traffic control camps which would be dedicated solely to identifying traffic gridlock areas to be manned by the personnel on 24/7 basis.
“For effective monitoring and prompt response, the Corps has put in place a Situation Room at the National Headquarters to monitor the activities across the country.
“It will also collate and process information for dissemination to relevant commands and stakeholders as the case may be.
“This is in addition to 28 RTCs Clinics and 53 Zebra points located along the major routes.
“This would be covered by the 92 ambulances to be fully utilised for prompt response to crashes and rescue of injured victims to hospitals for more professional attention, “he said.
The corps marshal urged commuters to check the excesses of reckless drivers and report to the FRSC operatives or any security outpost on the highways. (NAN)
By Ibironke Ariyo