By Kamil Opeyemi
The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dauda Biu has directed adequate mobilisation of personnel and deployment of over 1,095 operational equipments to highways nationwide ahead of Sallah celebration.
The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM) Bisi Kazeem said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja noting that the deployment is to curb road traffic crashes and gridlock nationwide.
Biu according to the statement assured Nigerians that adequate logistics and personnel would be in place to enhance visibility and guarantee safe travels for all road users before, during and after the celebration.
The Corps Marshal directed all commands to ensure reduction in road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths, as well as prompt response to road traffic crashes.
He also directed them to engage in robust public education and enlightenment, and speedy removal of all obstructions from highways,among others.
The Corps Marshal said he would personally lead patrol teams to ensure that motorists and other road users have hitch free celebration amidst the rainy season.
“About 750 Patrol Vehicles, 120 Ambulances, 25 Tow Trucks and over 200 Bikes, bringing the total of 1,095 equipments to be deployed to 1, 095 during the special operation.
“FRSC has over the years developed this tradition of always organising special patrol operations during festive periods as a way of averting the chaos that characterise our roads during such celebrations.
“As such, this year’s Eid-el-Kabir would not be an exception.
“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 falling prey to avoidable road crashes, ” he said.
Biu named the corridors to be covered as: Akwanga-Lafiya-Makurdi, Jos-Bauchi-Gombe, Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi.
Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor; Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor.
Others are, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu, and Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, among others.
The Corps Marshal equally directed that all Zebra must be active 24/7 and respond to calls within the minimum FRSC response time to reports of crashes.
He 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.
He added that Mobile Courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.
The Corps Marshal also directed that the Operatives pay first-rate focus on effective traffic control, wrong overtaking, and use of phone while driving.
He added that attention must be given to track drivers licence violation, Lane Discipline, Removal of Rickety vehicles on the road, Driving with expired and worn out tyre, among other traffic violations.
“The Corps will go into the exercise with the friendly collaboration with Military, Paramilitary and emergency service providers en-route or resident.
“The National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM will continue to operate 24/7 to give real time traffic update,” he said.
Biu called on all travellers to take advantage of the Station, Situation Office numbers: 07054005754, 07054005712 08056294021/08056295022.
He added that the FRSC Toll Free numbers 122 would be available to report any obstruction, crash or gridlock witnessed on the road.