The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, says it has deployed its entire workforce, including Special Marshals to the highways to ensure hitch free movement of commuters across the country during the yuletide.
A statement by Deputy Corps Marshal, Bisi Kazeem, on Monday in Abuja, said the personnel would combat traffic gridlock and ensure zero Road Traffic Crashes.
He said that the personnel had been provided with logistics and operational materials, including radar guns to check speed violations.
Mr Kazeem added that 16 traffic control camps have been set up along different routes, while 53 critical routes would receive special attention.
Mr Kazeem quoted the Corps Marsal, Dauda Biu as directing Commanding Officers to ensure 24-hour surveillance along high volume traffic and gridlock prone areas.
He also directed the full mobilisation of the 26 Help Areas, and full utilisation of the 59 Emergency Ambulance Points, the mobilisation of roadside clinics, and 24-hour broadcast of traffic situation on the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM.
According to him, the special operation would round up on Jan. 15, 2024.
The personnel were also to identify alternative routes to assist motorists during gridlocks, and give notification of traffic distressed areas for intervention, he said.
Mr Kazeem added that Night Rescue teams have been stationed on standby at all operational Commands.
“The operation is billed to cover the following critical corridors: Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi corridor, Katsina-Kano-Wudil-Dutse-Azare-Potiskum corridor, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos corridor,
“Others are Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor, Okene-Ogori-Isua-Owo corridor, Makurdi-Otukpo-Obollo Afor-9th Mile corridor, Asaba-Abraka-Ughelli-Warri corridor, Ibadan-Ogere-Sagamu corridor, Sagamu-Mowe-Lagos corridor, amongst others.”
Mr Kazeem said that the FRSC’s holistic approach was to ensure safer roads in view of the upsurge in traffic volume recorded during such time.
He said that the target was to avert chaos and indiscipline on the highway, so as to avoid crashes and fatalities.
“The directive also mandates the Corps’ operatives to ensure effective collaboration with Military Units, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“Other sister agencies to work with include Directorate of State Services, NGO Ambulance Service Providers, National Network on Emergency Road Services and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency,” he said.
Mr Kazeem urged motorists to utilise FRSC social media handles: facebook.com//frscnigeria, Instagram.com//frscnigeria, twitter.com//frscnigeria, for necessary updates.
“In case of emergency, call the 122 toll free number and the National Traffic Radio live lines: 08052998090, 09067000015, and 08052998012.
“The public can also reach the situation room on 07054005754 and 07054005712,” he added.
NAN