The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has mobilized a total of 660 personnel and 14 operational vehicles for a week-long Special Patrol aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow and road safety during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Enugu State.
Announcing the deployment on Thursday in Enugu, the Sector Commander of the FRSC Enugu State Command, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, said the operation, tagged ‘OPERATION EID-EL-KABIR’, will run from June 5 to June 11, covering a full seven days.
According to him, the deployment includes 375 Regular Marshals and 285 Special Marshals. Additionally, the FRSC has stationed 14 vehicles, which comprise nine patrol vehicles, two power bikes, one emergency ambulance, one heavy-duty tow truck, and one light-duty tow truck.
Agbakoba explained that the goal of the operation is to ensure safe and uninterrupted vehicular movement and the swift removal of any obstructions on major highways and routes across the state.
“The objective of the operation is to enhance the Corps’ visibility on state’s roads through early deployment of personnel and logistics to ensure reduction in Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs),” he said.
He added, “This early and proactive deployment will ensure reduction in Road Traffic Fatalities (RTF), and Road Traffic Injuries (RTI) as well as strict enforcement of road traffic laws and regulations.”
The operation will focus on key road corridors within Enugu State, including the Ugwuonyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway, the Eke Obinagu axis of the Enugu-Abakaliki Expressway, the Obolloafor section of the 9th Mile-Nsukka-Obolloafor Road, and the Opi axis of the Enugu-Nike-Opi Road, among others.
Agbakoba also stressed that emergency response and rescue teams will be on standby to address distress situations, enforce road traffic rules, and clear any obstructions swiftly.
“There will be prompt rescue and response to distress calls and speedy removal of obstructions from the highways among others,” he said.
“In this special Sallah Operation, there will be result-oriented public education and enlightenment, and enforcement of critical offences that induce Road Traffic Crashes,” the commander noted.
He listed offences that would receive special attention during the patrol, such as overloading, drunk driving, route violations, use of mobile phones while driving, speeding, and dangerous overtaking.
As the festivities begin, Agbakoba urged motorists to remain cautious and observe all safety measures.
“I wish all Nigerians a joyful and peaceful Eid Kabir celebration, and for those travelling a safe trip and for them to start their journey on time in the morning,” he added.
